Azzurra Du Caprio opens Ben's account for 2013 with a 5th career win

 

Our horses have been running consistently well for some weeks now so it's good to see Azzurra Du Caprio open Ben's account for the 2013 Turf season with a smooth success in a 6 furlong handicap at Newcastle on 8th May. P J McDonald holds up the 5 year old, who is owned by our own Blue Lion Racing syndicate, in the early stages before making good headway over a furlong out to score by a comfortable length an a quarter. This is Azzurra Du Caprio's 5th career win from 20 starts, and the 3rd time P J McDonald has ridden her to success. This is also Azzurra Du Caprio's first win for almost 2 years so hopefully this victory set her up nicely for the rest of the 2013 season.

 

Alison Royston to ride in a further charity race at York

 

Further good news from the stable, Alison Royston, owner of Operateur, has been accepted to ride in another charity race, this time at York on Saturday 15th June in aid of Macmillan Cancer. There is also the possibility that this time she may ride Operateur. You may recall that Alison rode in a charity race at the Cheltenham Festival in March and on that occasion she raised almost £20,000 for the cancer charity. Hopefully everyone will wish to give generously once again.

 

2 year olds available to run in your name and colours this month 

 

As a further update on our 2 year olds, the bay gelding out of Exceed And Excel and the grey colt by Camacho are both continuing to please Ben and are going extremely well on the gallops. Both are still available for sale ( each at £15,000 + VAT ) and Ben expects both horses to be ready to run by the end of this month. This is therefore a great opportunity to have a horse running in your own name and colours as early as the next few weeks and, of course, you are welcome to watch the horses going through their paces on the Middleham gallops anytime you wish. Please contact Ben if you would like to purchase either horse or make arrangements to see them on the gallops. As well as these two 2 year olds for sale we also have a 3 year old filly by Ishiguru available for leasing

 

Tuesday 9th April sees Ben's first runner of the 2013 Flat Turf season as Pink Cadillac contests a 6 furlong maiden fillies race at Pontefract. The 3 year old filly, owned by our own Go Alfresco Racing syndicate, races wide for much of the race and runs on nicely in the home straight under jockey P J McDonald to take third place a furlong out keeping on well to finish in that position at the line. This is a much improved run compared to her 3 races as a two year old and she rewards her supporters with generous odds of 40/1.  

 

Following 5th places for both Liliargh at Redcar and Operateur at Newcastle earlier in the week Azzurra Du Caprio returns to form with a third place in a 6 furlong handicap at Thirsk on April 20th. Azzurra Du Caprio endured a luckless 4 runs in 2012 but this is a much improved performance from the 5 year old who is owned by the Blue Lion Racing syndicate. Held up in the early stages by P J McDonald Azzurra Du Caprio makes headway to chase the leaders over a furlong out keeping on to finish third, beaten around 2 lengths. Since Azzurra Du Caprio was giving 8 and 10 lbs to the first and second this is a pleasing performance.

 

The latest horse owned by J P McManus to be sent to Ben is the 8 year old Jewel In The Sun, previously trained in Ireland by Charlie Swan. After winning a chase in Ireland in May 2012 Jewel In The Sun had finished down the field in 5 subsequent runs ( 4 chases and 1 hurdle race ). For his first run from Castle Hill Stables Ben chose 2 mile 6 furlong Class 4 handicap hurdle at Newcastle and jockey Dougie Costello holds Jewel In The Sun up for most of the race sticking closely to the inside rail. Jewel In The Sun then makes headway before 3 out and chases the leader on the run in, though with this being his first race for 7 months he did not have the pace to challenge sufficiently and has to settle for 2nd place, beaten just  two and three quarter lengths. This is a very promising introduction for Jewel In The Sun and hopefully it won't be too long before we are able to see J P's famous green and gold colours in the winners enclosure on one of our horses again. 

 

On 25th April Operateur makes a quick return to Newcastle to take in a mile and a half handicap just 10 days after finishing 5th in a similar contest there. Ridden again by Phillip Makin Operateur once more has a wideish draw to contend with and the 5 year old cannot take up his favoured position with the leaders. His rider settles him nicely in fifth place for much of the race before going third in the home straight. Operateur runs on well to the line but cannot get past the two leaders. Nevertheless 3rd place represents another solid performance.  

 

Before the month ends Executive's Hall makes the short journey down the A1 to Wetherby to run in a 2 and a half mile handicap hurdle. This is Christine Barclays' 9 year old's first run for over 6 months and Dougie Costello keeps Executive's Hall in the rear in the early stages before making steady headway 3 out. Executive's Hall keeps on well in the run to the line but is another of our horses who ultimately has to settle for third place. This is a good run though after such a long break and further confirms the well-being of Ben's horses. 

Good Friday Open Day

 

Many thanks to everyone who attended our Good Friday Open Day. Although the number who attended the stables generally in Middleham was slightly down on recent years, largely as a result of the weather which sadly did not get any warmer, the numbers attending Castle Hill Stables held up well compared with past years. Hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves as usual and we look forward to meeting everyone again next year.

 

Thanks should especially go to everyone who bought a raffle ticket to win a share in our 4 year old filly Liliargh. The winner has now been notified but hopefully everyone else who bought a ticket will enjoy following Liliargh throughout the season  --  she is expected to run very soon. 

 

Now that the 2013 Flat season is getting under way please continue to read Ben's website regularly throughout the year and we will bring you full details of all that is happening, results, horses for sale, other news, etc, at Castle Hill Stables.

 

 

Good Friday Stables Open Day Definitely On

 

Although Lambourn have had postpone their usual Open Day, the Middleham Stables Open Day held each Good Friday is definitely on, and takes place this coming Friday, 29th March. Whilst we've certainly had our share of the snow recently it seems as though the worst of the weather may at last now be behind us and perhaps by Good Friday the temperatures may even have warmed up !

 

Historic Middleham Castle and Richard III have been very much in the news of late and Ben's Castle Hill Stables, which are situated right alongside the walls of Middleham Castle, will be open from 9.30am. We look forward to seeing as many people as possible come along to our stables, whether you are a regular visitor here, or you have not been to Castle Hill Stables before, all will be made very welcome.

 

This year Ben will be selling shares in two 2 year old's, a bay gelding by Exceed And Excel and a grey colt out of Camacho, as well as the 3 year old Indie Banned. If you may be interested in buying a share in any of these horses, or would simply like to discuss racehorse ownership ( or leasing ), please don't hesitate to come along, Ben, and all members of his staff, will be happy to speak to you and assist you.

There will also be a raffle to win a share in the 4 year old filly Liliargh who is out of the top class sire Acclamation. Liliargh is already a winner, being successful last year at Redcar, as well as running second twice at Catterick and Newcastle from only 7 races. Liliargh is fit and ready to run soon.  

 

We hope everyone will have a wonderful time as usual. Good Friday is always a fantastic day here and the perfect opportunity to look round racing stables irrespective of whether you are already a passionate racing fan, or you simply enjoy seeing the horses.

 

We look forward to seeing you all  --  Castle Hill Stables, Middleham, Good Friday 29th March, 9.30am until lunchtime. All parking throughout Middleham is absolutely free.   

Wonderful experience for Alison in Charity Race at Cheltenham
 

Hope everyone enjoyed this years Cheltenham Festival. As for Alison Royston, she had a truly amazing day on the Thursday of the meeting, riding her horse Southampton in the Charity race, despite the race having to be delayed due to unfortunate circumstances.

 

Alison walked the course prior to the race, but the race itself was not run as had been hoped or expected in that none of the runners were especially keen to make the running in the early stages. Nevertheless Alison was delighted at being able to gallop up the famous hill at Cheltenham and since neither herself nor Southampton were blowing hard at the end of the race she feels that with hindsight perhaps she could have gone quicker. Of course that was simply a combination of lack of experience on Alison's part and the fact she didn't know how Southampton would cope with the atmosphere, the ground, the course, etc. Southampton did, in fact, handle it all brilliantly and he really seemed to enjoy himself. Although ultimately finishing last of the 12 runners this was Alison's very first experience of race-riding and, of course, raising as much money as possible for the Cancer charity after losing her mother-in-law to the illness in 2012 was the main reason of taking part in the race. 

Alison found Cheltenham a really interesting course to ride. " The undulations and the camber of the track really keep you concentrating. Other than thinking I should hold on to Southampton until we got into the home straight I felt I did everything I wanted to - Craig & Leanne's ( from Castle Hill Stables ) advice was invaluable and I managed to ride the race perfectly from that point of view - just too slowly ! I also put my stirrups down as I was told the legs always hurt - again I wish I hadn't as they felt too long and my fitness was great as nothing hurt at all, so that all gives me confidence if we get the chance to do another race ".

 

So the race, and the whole experience, was a dream come true for Alison. She naturally now desperately would like to ride again in another race, once again for charity. There is, in fact, a similar race closer to home, at York in May and Alison is now hoping to hear soon if her application to ride in that race has been accepted.

 

As far as the fundraising for the Cancer charity is concerned Alison is absolutely delighted that the total currently stands at £19,333. There are also pledges of around £1,800 to still collect so the final amount raised should be comfortably in excess of £20,000, a magnificent achievement. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this wonderful amount. Of course, it isn't too late to make a donation to the charity and anyone wishing to may use the direct link https://www.justgiving.com/alison-royston 

 

 

Good luck at Cheltenham on Thursday to Alison and to Southampton !

 

Cheltenham is almost upon us and as well as hoping for 4 days of the best in National Hunt racing all at Castle Hill Stables are especially looking forward to the charity race at 5.15pm on the Thursday, the race which features Alison Royston, one of our owners, riding Southampton, a horse formerly trained by Ben.

 

Alison has described the opportunity of riding in a race at the Cheltenham Festival as " being a dream come true " and she has certainly done her best to make sure she puts up a tremendous performance in the race itself. Alison was up at Castle Hill Stables this weekend and took Southampton through his final paces on Middleham's High Moor gallops and it's all a question now of waiting for the race on Thursday and we are sure that everyone wishes Alison the best of luck.

 

The race is, of course, a charity race in aid of Cancer Research UK and certainly the way Alison has set about the task of putting up a great performance in the race and dedicated herself to raising as much money for this wonderful charity shows the passion she has for racing and for causes close to her heart. She certainly deserves everyone's support so please give as generously as you can by making donations direct to https://www.justgiving.com/alison-royston

 

We will let you know on this website the result of the race, Alison's own feelings as to how the race and the day itself went, together how much money has been raised for Cancer Research UK as soon as possible.

 

In the meantime lets all cheer Alison and Southampton in the St Patrick's Day Derby ( Charity Race ) at 5.15pm on Thursday 14th March ( after the final race on the card ).

 

Whilst the wintery weather continues to play havoc with Ben 's plans to get runners on to the racecourse all at Castle Hill Stables wish everyone a Happy New Year. In the absence of recent runners we can at least show Ben's stats summary for the year 2012:

 

                       Wins     2nd     3rd     4th     Total Runners     % Win     % Place

 

Flat                    6          8        3       4              76                  8%            28%

 

Jumps                3          1        1       2              20                 15%           35%

 

Total                  9          9        4       6               96                  9%           29%

 

 

Ben's win strike rate for the whole of 2012 was over 9% ( over 29% of our horses finished in the first 4 ). This is a higher strike rate than in the previous year and whilst the total number of winners is less, this is reflected by the fact that Ben had fewer runners during 2012. The desperate weather which we have all had to endure in the past 12 months has meant that Ben has not been able to get as many runners onto the racecourse as he would have liked and would normally do. However this may well prove beneficial in the longer term as we start 2013 with many unexposed horses, horses who have not had as many races as would normally have been the case and will hopefully therefore be fresher and fitter and able to perform well throughout 2013. 


3 year old filly available for lease

 

Ben has recently acquired a 3 year old filly out of the sire Ishiguru. The filly is unraced and, as yet, unnamed. She is available to be leased, so not only would she run in your name and colours you would also be able to name the filly, whilst the only charges will be the training fees. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a racehorse running in your own name early in 2013.



 

Dance For Georgie crowns memorable month for Alison Royston

 

Almost a month to the date since recording her first win as an owner when Operateur scored at Catterick on 4th July Alison Royston achieves her second success on 3rd August when Dance For Georgie takes a mile handicap at Musselburgh by an impressive 4 and a half lengths. With Julie Burke in the saddle Dance for Georgie is sent into the lead soon after the start and is not challenged until 3 furlongs from home. When she is pressed for the lead Julie has saved enough for Dance For Georgie to go on again and the 3 year old filly stays on strongly to go clear inside the final furlong to record a comfortable victory. This is only the fifth race of Dance For Georgie's career, and without doubt her best performance. It's therefore only reasonable to assume there may be more improvement still to come, possibly when stepped up in trip. This has certainly been a memorable month for Alison, winning with both her horses  --  and long may the success last !

 

Hat-trick of wins for Alison as Ben breaks new ground with first runner at Brighton

Channel 4 Racing had their camera's at Castle Hill Stables early in the month, essentially for a feature on the horse part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, the 2 year old colt Diaktoros. Filming took place both in our stables and also on the Middleham gallops and was featured in Channel 4's Morning Line programme on Saturday May 12th. Ben is very pleased with Diaktoros ( nicely bred out of the appropriately named, for Sir Alex, Red Clubs ! ) though he stresses he will not be an " early " 2 year old but is certainly showing significant promise to suggest he will make his mark later in the season.
 

It's good to have runners at the big meetings and this is certainly the case as Dreaming Of Rubies contests a 5 furlong Class 4 handicap at the prestigious May meeting at York, William Buick being in the saddle, having just his second ride for Ben. Dreaming Of Rubies, successful at Wolverhampton in March, makes most until being headed over a furlong out but still keeps on well in the final furlong to finish 3rd of the 18 runners. This is an extremely promising run especially as Dreaming Of Rubies is having only the third race of her career and owners Middleham Park Racing can surely look forward to an exciting summer with their 3 year old filly.

 

Poetic Star becomes the first of the 2 year olds in our new Go Alfresco Racing Syndicate to run when he makes his debut in a 6 furlong maiden race at Ripon ridden by former top jump jockey Graham Lee who has recently switched to the Flat. Prominent in the early stages Poetic Star is outpaced from halfway finishing 7th of the 9 runners. Nevertheless Ben is pleased with this introduction feeling that the undulations of the Ripon track did not ideally suit Poetic Star, adding that the colt should come on for the race having learnt plenty from this debut run. Ben expects Poetic Star to be out again around mid June. Please remember you are welcome to contact our stable at any time if you wish to join the syndicate or simply wish to discuss the matter with Ben. 

 

Another promising Middleham Park Racing three year old filly, this time Liliargh, has only her second ever race in a 7 furlong maiden at Redcar. Well ridden by Danny Tudhope the filly is up with the leaders until 2 furlongs out and then stays on in the final furlong to record a 1 length victory. This is now a second and a first in 2 races for Liliargh who is out of the successful sire Acclamation. Ben is delighted to win with Liliargh both as it is a well deserved success for Middleham Park Racing and also since, as Ben points out, the filly wouldn't want ground any faster than the good ground she encountered here and Ben may accordingly now put her away for an autumn campaign.   

As we move into April Ben's hot streak continues as Hi Dancer and Craig Gallagher take a Class 4 handicap hurdle over 2 miles 1 furlong at Sedgefield in tremendous style to follow up their win at Wetherby just 5 days earlier. This means Ben has won with each of the 3 horses he has run during the last 12 days !

 

Craig has the 9 year old, owned by Robert Tocher, leading or alongside the leaders throughout the race and under another positive ride sends Hi Dancer on after the third last. Hi Dancer quickly asserts himself coming home comfortably to record a facile victory by no less than 19 lengths. Whilst the ground at Wetherby was good today's ground at Sedgefield is softer but this holds no fears for Hi Dancer who has winning form on most surfaces. That's also 2 wins and a third place from Hi Dancer's 3 runs at Sedgefield.

 

The race at Sedgefield is the 80th of Hi Dancer's career and boosts his win tally to 14 and incredibly he has been in the first four in over half his 80 races. Such consistency, and the ability to keep a horse sweet for so many years, pays great testament to Ben's training skills.

 

As for Craig, our stable conditional jockey, this is certainly a week to remember as he records the first 2 victories of his riding career, both on Hi Dancer, and giving the horse tremendously positive rides on each occasion. Craig is 20 years old, originally from Edinburgh but based in the Darlington area for many years, and joined Ben from Richard Guest's stable in the latter part of 2011. Judging by these 2 wins Craig looks to have a very successful career ahead of him. 

 

8 days after the second of his 2 hurdling victories Hi Dancer is out again, this time taking in a Flat race at Catterick over 1 mile 6 furlongs under apprentice Declan Cannon. Despite his recent exertions Hi Dancer continues in his rich vein of form, tracking the leaders and making headway 3 furlongs from home. Hi Dancer holds every chance until having to give best inside the final furlong and finishing in second place  --  yet another "placing" for Hi Dancer to add to his impressive CV !

Earlier on the same Catterick card Tuibama has his first run on turf since July 2011 in a 5 furlong handicap. Ben has campaigned the 3 year old on the all-weather for his last 4 races but a return to turf sees Tuibama run one of his best races. Close up throughout the race Tuibama also holds every chance until the final furlong eventually finishing in 4th place.   

 

Shortly before the end of the month Ben almost provides a shock result when Liliargh, a 3 year old filly by Acclamation, makes her racecourse debut in a 7 furlong maiden race, also at Catterick. Liliargh, ridden by P J McDonald and starting at no less than 50/1, chases the leaders for much of the race before taking closer order over a furlong out. Liliargh stays on well inside the final furlong to take second place on the line, beaten just one length by a much more experienced rival. This is an extremely pleasing first run from Liliargh who with the experience of the race behind her is entitled to go on to better things. Liliargh is another promising 3 year old running in the colours of Middleham Park Racing for whom Ben has already trained Dreaming Of Rubies for a first success this season. 
 

Many thanks to everyone who came along to our annual Good Friday Open Day. As always there was a bumper attendance at Castle Hill Stables. We feel sure everyone enjoyed seeing our horses and stables at close hand and we look forward to seeing you all again next year. In the meantime if, like us, you were impressed with the 4 horses in our new Go Alfresco Racing Syndicate please contact the office ( by telephone on 01969 624351 or by E-mail to the address shown on this website ) if you are interested in taking one of the remaining shares in the syndicate  --  costs are very reasonable and we feel sure you will have plenty of fun, as well as success, with the horses throughout the season.    

Anyone who may still be interested in joining our new Racing Club is, of course, very welcome to come along to our Castle Hill Stables at any time and see the horses and chat with Ben. Before coming along to the stable please contact the office either by telephone ( 01969 624351 ) or by E-mail to the address shown on this website.

Ben continues to be very pleased with the 4 horses in the Go Alfresco Racing Club and indeed all our 2 year olds. With the 2012 Flat turf season starting towards the end of March Ben is looking to get as many of our horses on to the racecourse as soon as they are ready, and as well as the exciting 2 year olds there are also, of course, the best of our older horses from last year. 

Ben is pleased to welcome a new owner to Castle Hill Stables, Sir Alex Ferguson. Although best known as being manager of Manchester United Sir Alex has taken an increasingly keen interest in racing in recent years and has shares in a number of horses. Recently Sir Alex has become part-owner ( along with Sotirios Hassiakos, who is also an owner in our 2 year old King Laertis ) of a yearling, a colt by the appropriately named Red Clubs. We hope much of Sir Alex's footballing success rubs off on the yearling, as yet unnamed, and that he can bring further success and enjoyment to his owners. Ben is already very pleased with the horse and we will look forward to detailing his progress in this column throughout 2012.

 

As the festive period approaches Ben, and all at Castle Hill Stables, send their best wishes to everyone for a very happy Christmas and an enjoyable and profitable New Year !

 

Please continue to visit this website regularly throughout 2012 to read updates on the horses at Castle Hill Stables, our runners and news updates generally, along with a few changes which we hope to make to the website in the very near future. 

2011 Flat Statistics

     Wins    2nds    3rds    4ths    Total Runners    Total Prize Money
                    
        7         5         9       10            103                   £30,119   
    

Again very few runners from Castle Hill Stables during November meaning Ben can devote his time and energies to looking after the yearlings he has recently purchased. Ben is already very pleased with this years crop of youngsters and has high hopes that many of them will turn into successful 2 year olds during the 2012 Flat season.

 

We have a number of yearlings currently for sale at Castle Hill Stables and, of course, there is also our new exciting syndicate, the " Go Alfresco " Racing Club. Ben is delighted with the interest shown in the syndicate to date and a number of shares have already been sold but some shares are still available. Please note the syndicate will have a very limited number of just 20 shares so if you wish to join the " Go Alfresco " Racing Club we strongly recommend that you contact our stable as early as possible.

 

Details of the " Go Alfresco " Racing club are as follows:

 

 

Professional, affordable, fun horse-racing ownership

 

An invitation to join

 

‘Go Alfresco’ Racing Club

 

(4 Horses – 2012 Flat season)
 

The management team have put together 4 very exciting young horses (details enclosed), which are currently being ‘broken in’ and will race as 2 year olds, on the flat, next season. These horses are:

A bay colt by Byron, dam Balwarah. 

A bay filly by Diamond Green, dam Dancing Steps. ( This filly is in fact a half sister to Dance For Julie and Dance For Livvy who each won 3 races for our stable. )

A bay colt by Indesatchel, dam Day By Day.

A bay filly by Clodovil, dam Green Life.

Each yearling is E.B.F. Nominated and all except the Clodovil filly are also eligible for the £10,000 Racing Post Yearling Bonus Scheme.

The horses will be trained by a leading young trainer, Ben Haslam, based at Castle Hill Stables, Middleham, North Yorkshire. Middleham is regarded as the Newmarket of the North and renowned for its famous moor gallops and stunning Yorkshire Dales scenery.

The proposal is that members, initially, participate for a single racing season (ie 2012) where they have the benefits of horse ownership with potential capital appreciation, owner’s access on race days and share of prize money – the team are dedicated to both the serious business of winning races and also making race days a great day out.

There are 20 shares in this 4 horse syndicate. The minimum cost for a single share is £5,000 + VAT (the VAT will, in due course, be refunded as an entitlement through the horse racing sponsorship scheme administered by Weatherbys).

Individuals can subscribe for any number of shares, subject to availability, up to 100% (ie total ownership).

The payment covers horse purchase and all training fees from now until the end of the 2012 season. At the end of the season there will be a distribution, back to the members, of both prize money and proceeds from the sale of the horses.

All enquiries please ring Ben Haslam 01969 624351 (office) or 07764 411660 (mobile).

 

In addition to the above syndicate we also have 2 further yearlings for sale. These are:

A quiet month in terms of runners but this does not stop Hi Dancer putting in a couple of good performances.

 

Hi Dancer has generally been a model of consistency throughout his career but has not been quite at his best since winning a handicap hurdle at Sedgefield in March. However the 8 year old, owned by Robert Tocher, returns to form with two runs this month, both on the Flat at Catterick.

 

Early in October Hi Dancer runs in a 2 mile handicap. With the assistance of champion jockey Paul Hanagan he leads over 3 furlongs out and runs on well only to be frustratingly caught on the line having to settle for second place, beaten a head.

 

Just over a week and a half later Hi Dancer takes in a 1 mile 6 furlong apprentice handicap. This time ridden by Daryl Byrne Hi Dancer makes headway 4 furlongs out but can only run on at one pace and has to be content with 3rd place.

 

Hi Dancer has dropped to a lenient mark for a horse of his ability and now he has returned to form an incredible 13th win may not be far away, either still on the Flat or by returning to hurdles, which is always an option for Ben. 

 

As always Ben is pleased to have received a further horse from owner J P McManus. The latest addition to the Castle Hill Stables ranks to sport the famous green and gold hoops will be The Seanachie, a 4 year old out of Montjeu, formerly trained in Ireland by Niall Madden. To date The Seanachie has had 8 starts on the Flat in Ireland, plus 4 over hurdles. He has yet to make the frame but hopefully Ben will be able to coax the necessary improvement out of the gelding as he has done with other horses in the past. Initially Ben intends to campaign The Seanachie over hurdles at around 2 and a half miles and he has a couple of races in mind for his new acquisition early in November.

 

Incidentally, another of J P's horses, Front Of House, a winner over hurdles for Ben at Southwell in November 2010, is back from his summer break and should also be seen out, over fences, early next month.

 

Ben is continuing to attend the major yearling sales and at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in Newmarket he purchased 2 further yearlings. These are: 

 

A bay colt by Byron out of the dam City Maiden, and

 

A bay filly by Refuse To Bend out of the dam Diplomats Daughter  

 

Each of these yearlings is for sale at £10,000 + VAT, and both yearlings are E.B.F. Nominated and also eligible for the £10,000 Racing Post Yearling Bonus Scheme. 

 

Please note that our Horses For Sale page on this website has recently been updated and now features all the yearlings currently available for sale at Castle Hill Stables.

 

If you are interested in purchasing any of these yearlings ( or a share therein ) please contact our office on telephone number 01969 624351, or by E-mail at the address shown on this website, in order to discuss your personal preferences or requirements, etc.  

The month of September seems to suit Reason To Believe as he gets off the mark for the season in this month, just as he did in 2010. Ben sends Carol Aldridge's 3 year old chesnut gelding to Newcastle to contest a 7 furlong handicap. The horses previous 2 races had both been over a mile and a quarter and the drop in trip clearly has the right effect. Ben felt Reason To Believe was ready to run a big race and was keen for champion jockey Paul Hanagan to take the ride. He is rewarded with a lovely pillar to post ride as Reason To Believe makes all and keeps on well towards the finish to win by a head. Ben has always liked the horse describing him as " a bit of thinker " and remarking that " even with blinkers on he has his ears pricked the whole way ".

Nice to see our 2 year olds starting to make an impact as Tuibama shows improved form to reach a place for the first time finishing third in a maiden race at Southwell over 5 furlongs.

 

 

Later in the month Ben sends two horses to Hamilton and both make the frame. Firstly Ivestar, returning to the scene of his triumph last year and ridden by the same successful jockey Charlotte Holmes, runs in a 6 furlong amateur riders handicap. Ivestar holds a slight lead 2 furlongs out and after being headed inside the final furlong runs on well to take second place. Another of our 2 year olds, Reine Du Froid, then finishes 3rd of 4 runners in a 6 furlong claiming race.

 

Executive's Hall, who has been a revelation over hurdles since joining Ben earlier this summer, reverts to fences when contesting a Class 4 Handicap Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at Cartmel. Executive's Hall keeps on well inside the final furlong under his recent regular pilot Andrew Tinkler but has to settle for 3rd place on this occasion, beaten just over 4 lengths.

 

Before the month ends our 2 year old filly Crimson Sea runs her best race to date finishing 4th of the 12 runners in a Ripon selling race over 6 furlongs. On the same day Blake Dean and Blue Ronnie run in a Class 4 Juvenile Hurdle on August Bank Holiday Monday at the picturesque Cartmel course. Blake Dean runs a very promising race, leading in the early stages and eventually finishing second, albeit to a very easy winner, whilst Blue Ronnie stays on in the final stages to take 4th place.

 

The Middleham Trainers Association presentation at York Races on August 17th was very successful. Many thanks to everyone who went along and especially to those who spoke to Ben and discussed racehorse ownership with him. Incidentally a feature on racehorse training in MIddleham is due to be broadcast on Sky TV in the first week or so of September.

 

Ben has recently received a further horse from owner J P McManus, a 6 year old Know The Rules formerly trained in Ireland by Niall Madden. Know The Rules has already run in hurdles and chases in Ireland, as yet without success, but hopefully Ben will work the oracle with this horse just as he did with another of J P's horses, A Stones Throw, previously. Initially Ben intends to run Know The Rules over hurdles and he has a couple of races in mind at Sedgefield early in September . Another of J P McManus's horses, Front Of House, successful for Ben over hurdles at Southwell in November 2010, has also recently returned to Castle Hill Stables after a summer break and should be out again soon.

 

Whilst there are still 2 months remaining in the 2011 Turf Flat Season it is never too soon to turn our thoughts to next year. Ben is already busy attending yearling sales with a view to purchasing youngsters to form a strong 2 year old team for the 2012 Flat season. Ben has already made 3 purchases at the recent Doncaster Bloodstock Sales and each of the yearlings is currently available for sale. The horses in question are as follows:

 

A bay colt by Byron out of the dam Balwarah. This colt is offered for sale at £5,500 + VAT.

 

A bay filly by Diamond Green out of the dam Dancing Steps. This filly is offered for sale at £10,500 + VAT. ( This filly is in fact a half sister to Dance For Julie and Dance For Livvy who have each won 3 races for our stable. )

 

A chesnut filly by the first season sire Sakhee's Secret out of the dam May Day Queen. This filly is offered for sale at £16,500 + VAT.

 

Each yearling is E.B.F. Nominated and also eligible for the £10,000 Racing Post Yearling Bonus Scheme. 

 

As always Ben will be attending all the major yearling sales, especially those at Newmarket and Doncaster, this autumn. If you are interested in buying any of the above yearlings please contact the office on telephone number 01969 624351. Alternatively if you would like Ben to purchase a horse for you at a future sales again please contact Ben on the same office phone number to discuss your personal requirements.

Not too many runners from Castle Hill Stables in the first half of July but midway through the month Blake Dean reaches the frame in his first run over hurdles when finishing 4th in a Class 3 Juvenile Hurdle at Market Rasen.

 

On the first day of June Valantino Oyster returns to form with a comfortable 5 length success in a mile and a half selling handicap at Ripon. Owned by the Mount Racing Club and Mervyn Buckley the 4 year old tracks the leaders throughout the race before being sent on by jockey Paddy Donaghy 2 furlongs out and going clear in the final furlong.This is a deserved first ever success for the Mount Racing Club who will have been delighted with the win and with Valantino Oyster's performance. 

 

3 days later Ben's hot run continues as Dance For Livvy, making her hurdles debut, scores in a juvenile hurdle at Hexham. After tracking the leaders Dance For Livvy is driven up to lead approaching the last by jockey Barry Keniry and goes on to win by 2 and three quarter lengths. Dance For Livvy improves as the race goes on and she should learn a good deal from the experience but this is in itself a very nice introduction to her hurdling career.  Mark James's 3 year old filly is, in fact, recording a hat trick of wins with her victory here having been successful in her previous two races, and since these were Flat wins on the all-weather at Wolverhampton and on the turf at Beverley Dance for Livvy is clearly proving to be a very versatile horse. Dance for Livvy should certainly win again over hurdles but Ben may possibly switch the filly back to the Flat for her next run.

 

12 months ago Ben sent Ivestar to Hamilton for a 6 furlong Amateur Riders' handicap and was rewarded with the then 5 year old owned by Blue Lion Racing and his rider Charlotte Holmes both recording their sole victories to date. It only seemed natural therefore for the partnership to return to Hamilton for this years renewal of the race. Ivestar is behind in the early stages but makes headway over a furlong out, keeping on well inside the final furlong to finish 4th, beaten just over 3 lengths. Nevertheless this is a good run by Ivestar, particularly as this is his first race since January, and he is again well-handled by Charlotte.

 

The following day Executive's Hall attempts his own hat-trick by contesting the third hurdle race of his career and going for his third win,all in the space of a little over 2 weeks, when running in a handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter. Executive's Hall is held up early in the race but makes smooth progress from the 7th and leads 3 out to record another comfortable win, this time by 3 and three quarter lengths. As in his previous races Andrew Tinkler takes the riding honours. This is another excellent performance from Executive's Hall, especially considering he was effectively 12lbs higher for this race. Sheila Mason and Robert Stipetic's 7 year old has certainly been a revelation since joining Ben.

 

Ben himself is also currently on the hottest run of his training career and Executive's Hall's win at Uttoxeter is, in fact, Ben's 6th winner inside the last month. Ben's record for the current 2011 Flat season stands at 5 winners, and for the current 2011-12 Jumps season 4 winners, this equating to an very healthy overall strike rate of 17%.

 

Dance For Julie then makes the trip up to Hexham to try and gain recompense for her unlucky defeat at Sedgefield a couple of weeks earlier. Again Dance For Julie runs well but the concession of trying to give over a stone to a well-handicapped winner proves just beyond her and the filly has to settle for second place.  

 

2 days later Operateur and Executive's Hall make the even shorter journey up to Sedgefield. Operateur contests a 2 mile 1 furlong juvenile hurdle and whilst this is his first run over jumps he nevertheless starts favourite and runs a good race, but running on at one pace in the final furlong means he has to settle for a close third place, with the fourth horse 26 lengths behind. This is clearly a promising start to Operateur's hurdling career.

 

Executive's Hall on the other hand is rapidly becoming vastly experienced in the hurdling field and this two and a half mile handicap comes just 4 days after completing a hat-trick of wins over hurdles. Executive's Hall, starting a slight odds on favourite, runs another solid race but this time has to settle for second place, under conditional jockey Jake Greenall, beaten just a length.

 

This isn't the end of Executive's Hall's exploits for the month though as after a long 11 day break Ben finds a nice 2 mile 1 furlong handicap hurdle at Market Rasen for the 7 year old ! Reunited with Andrew Tinkler, who was in the saddle for each of his 3 victories, Executive's Hall again runs well over this shorter trip and finishes second, this time beaten just half a length. This is another great effort from Sheila Mason and Robert Stipetic's 7 year old who has gone up no less than 30lbs in the handicap since his winning run began exactly one month ago, during which time he has won 3 hurdle races and finished a close second in two more.

 

Our jumpers seem to have been holding the fort this month but its back to the Flat for our next runner as Azzurra Du Caprio takes in a five and a half furlong Class 4 handicap at Doncaster. Showing that the form of her previous race at Newmarket in May was all wrong when heavy rain fell prior to the race Azzurra Du Caprio this time has her preferred good to firm ground and certainly makes the most of it, tracking the leaders in the early stages, then making headway inside the final furlong and being driven out to score by a neck under a fine ride from jockey Tom Eaves. This is another tremendous performance by the 3 year old chesnut filly out of Captain Rio and Azzurra Du Caprio must be the apple of the eye of her owners, our own Blue Lion Racing syndicate . Ben is delighted again with the performance and now has one of the valuable sprint races on Shergar Cup day at Ascot on the first Saturday in August in mind for her next race.

 

Before the month ends there's still time for another of our 3 year old fillies, Dan's Martha, to run a nice race finishing fourth in a 7 furlong Stakes race at Catterick.

 

Another good month for Ben and everyone at Castle Hill Stables, although Ben has not been happy of late with some of our 2 year olds. Ben has not yet been able to get a run into many of the 2 year olds and those that have run have tended to come back with a slight bug. However they have been treated accordingly and Ben feels they are now over the worst of the problem and is looking forward to getting the youngsters back on the racecourse very shortly. Despite that it's 4 winners for Castle Hill Stables this month, 2 on the Flat and 2 over hurdles, to show that things are still going very well.            

After scoring over 10 furlongs at Beverley in early April Dance For Julie returns to hurdles when contesting a Class 4 handicap hurdle at Wetherby at the start of May. Mark James' 4 year old again shows a liking for the good to firm going by running well and taking 3rd place. Dance For Julie is proving a most consistent filly having incredibly now reached the frame in all but one of her 13 races on turf, on the Flat and over hurdles.

Hi Dancer is fast out of the blocks by attempting to continue his revival in form in a handicap hurdle at Newcastle on the first day of the new month. After tracking the leaders in the early stages of the race Hi Dancer moves forward to lead 3 out before fading in the final 200 yards. Nevertheless by finishing in 3rd place this represents yet another consistent performance from the 8 year old. 

 

Three days later A Stones Throw journeys up to the Scottish Borders to take in a 2 and a quarter mile Class 4 handicap hurdle at Kelso. A Stones Throw again runs well but has to settle for 4th place. Later in the month A Stones Throw is out again in a Lady Riders handicap hurdle at Wetherby. Once more A Stones Throw runs a consistent race finishing 4th. J P McManus' 6 year old continues to show improvement on his Irish form prior to joining Ben but that first win he richly deserves continues to prove elusive.   

 

It is good to get A Stones Throw, our new recruit from owner J P McManus, on the racecourse as the New Zealand bred 6 year old takes in a Class 4 handicap hurdle at Wetherby. A Stones Throw runs a respectable race finishing 7th of the 14 runners.

 

Ben then believes he has found a suitable follow-up race for A Stones Throw at Wetherby just over 2 weeks later but elects, along with many other trainers, not to run his horse as none of the races on the card meet the Horseman's Group tariffs. Ben says of his protest " I think it's important to make a stand against the low prize money currently being offered at so many courses for the sake of everyone in racing ".

 

However another opportunity for A Stones Throw soon presents itself by way of a 2 mile 3 furlong Lady Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle at Catterick on the final day of February. Ably ridden by the experienced Jenny Carr A Stones Throw runs a tremendous race being both up with the leaders in the early stages and indeed then leading until weakening between the last 2 hurdles to finish 4th of the 17 runners, beaten just over 9 lengths. Ben is pleased with A Stones Throw's debut run for the stable at Wetherby and then delighted with the further progress he appears to have made in the Catterick race, especially on ground not considered ideal. Both runs represent a considerable improvement on much of his form when previously trained in Ireland.   

 

Certainly few runners from Castle Hill Stables this month as Ben eagerly awaits the start of the 2011 Flat Turf season which opens at the end of March but one further runner this month is Mark James's 3 year old filly Dance For Livvy who has her second outing  on the all-weather, and only her fifth run in all races, when contesting a mile maiden race at Southwell on the 8th of the month. Dance For Livvy makes the frame for the first time in this race, finishing 4th of the 12 runners.

 

As far as the new Flat season shortly to be upon us is concerned Ben is very pleased with the 2 year olds he has in his care at Castle Hill Stables. Ben will not rush his 2 year olds preferring to give them the necessary time needed, but he is certain there will be a few early sorts ready to run in the opening weeks and months of the new season.

 

A reminder here that the 2011 Good Friday Open Day takes place this year on April 22nd. This event is always extremely well supported and certainly one of the major attractions on the Middleham Racing Calendar during the entire year. As always all visitors will be welcomed to our Castle Hill Stables and will have the opportunity of seeing our horses, including our 2 year olds, at close hand and indeed seeing the new facilities at Castle Hill Stables. This is always a popular date so make a note in your diary  --  Good Friday Open Day, 22nd April !

 

Finally, as Ben has just completed his first 12 months as a licensed trainer in his own name this is a suitable time to update his stats. First 12 months training:

 

                    Wins    2nds    3rds    4ths    Runners

 

Flat:                10       15       12       15         141

 

Jumps:             5         2         4        5           40

 

Total:               15       17       16      20          181

 

A total of 68 runners have made the frame, a healthy strike rate of 37% of Ben's total runners !   Total prize money £ 65,769.

A quiet start to 2011 but it is good to get Dance For Julie's hurdling career back on track.

 

Mark James's juvenile hurdler looked so impressive when making her jumping debut at Market Rasen in July when scoring by 15 lengths but her career was then interrupted by injury. Following a recent run on the Flat at Southwell Dance For Julie resumes over hurdles when running at Leicester in a Class 4 Novices' Hurdle. Dance for Julie leads from the second, until two out, and then weakens approaching the last, to finish 4th of the 12 runners. This was an all-aged novice hurdle and as the only 4 year old was the youngest horse in the race, and whilst accordingly receiving the appropriate weight concession this was nevertheless a very respectable return to her hurdling career.  

 

10 days later Dance For Julie makes the trip up to Musselburgh to take in a Class 4 Juvenile Hurdle. Although starting favourite Dance For Julie can only finish third of the four runners. Dance For Julie has every chance until not being fluent at the third last and then weakening. It's possible the ground was softer than ideal for Dance For Julie in the two races this month.    

 

It is also good to see Front Of House make his chasing debut. The horse, owned by J P McManus, came to Ben as recently as last October and although now a 9 year old has very little mileage on the clock having had only 9 races ( which included 4 wins and 2 seconds ) under rules, before now contesting a Class 4 Beginners Chase at Catterick over 2 miles 3 furlongs. Having been held up early in the race by Dominic Elsworth Front Of House then hits the eighth fence but keeps on well in the latter stages of the race to finish 5th. This is an encouraging introduction to his chasing career and Front Of House is another for whom better ground would have been appreciated. 

 

On the final day of the month Ben takes Ivestar to Wolverhampton to contest a 6 furlong Amateur Riders' handicap partnered by our own Charlotte Holmes. Since winning over 6 furlongs at Hamilton last June Blue Lion Racings' 6 year old has been campaigned over longer distances but he appeared to appreciate the return to 6 furlongs and Charlotte got a fine tune out of Ivestar as he ran on well inside the final furlong finishing fastest of all to take third place at rewarding odds of 28-1.

 

Ben is pleased to have received another horse owned by J P McManus. This is the New Zealand bred 6 year old gelding A Stones Throw, formerly trained in Ireland by Niall Madden. A Stones Throw is by the renowned sire Montjeu and Ben is looking forward to getting his new recruit on to the racecourse initially aiming him at handicap hurdle races.

 

Late news from Castle Hill Stables is that the BBC TV programme Inside Out which was mentioned on our website on a number of occasions last year has finally been shown on TV. The actual date of broadcast was dependent on the viewing region but certainly in the North East and Cumbria region the programme was broadcast on Monday 31st January at 7 30pm. The programme included a 10 minute feature on Ben showing how he was coping in his first year as a trainer, having taken over from his father Patrick in February 2010 and thus becoming the youngest trainer in the country ! Also featured were Castle Hill Stables themselves and the programme also accompanied Ben and some of our owners to a race meeting at Thirsk.

 

The programme was excellent viewing and we apologise for not having the opportunity to mention the broadcast date beforehand on our website but unfortunately we did not know ourselves. However the programme can still be viewed via the internet on the BBC TV website until Monday 7th February by clicking on to the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/y5bkj/
The feature on Ben is approximately 20 minutes into the programme.
 
Well worth a look !  

Ben is delighted to have received a further horse from leading owner J P McManus. In recent years Ben, and previously his father Patrick, have been sent a number of horses by the legendary " J P " to have trained in Middleham and the latest horse is the 8 year old Front Of House.

 

Previously trained by Nicky Henderson at Upper Lambourn, Front Of House has good form in National Hunt Flat Races and Novice Hurdles having won 3 of his 7 races. Front Of House is lightly raced to date and Ben is looking forward to getting his latest recruit on to the racecourse as soon as possible.

 

It's always nice to receive plaudits and whilst Operateur's 4th place in a Wolverhampton Maiden over an extended mile on the first day of October may not immediately seem an outstanding performance it is nevertheless a promising second run for Alistair Dinsmore's 2 year old colt by Oratorio as he is badly hampered when staying on over a furlong out. This is an encouraging run as Operateur is bred to want middle distances in time and the performance is not lost on At The Races pundit Hugh Taylor who is generous in his praise of Operateur's run following the race. 

 

Just over 2 weeks later Operateur returns to Wolverhampton to contest another 9 furlong maiden. Whilst this time he has to settle for 5th place Operateur finishes closer to the winner, and also closer to the second horse who also finished in front of him in the previous race, so effectively this effort is another step forward and reinforces the view that this is a promising horse to look forward to next year.

 

Back to the first week of October and another of Alistair Dinsmore's 2 year olds, the filly Oldmeldrum, takes in a 5 furlong maiden race at Catterick. Oldmeldrum is another horse who catches the eye for after being in the rear early in the race makes good headway later although being a little short of room 2 furlongs out and is staying on nicely at the finish. As in her debut race Oldmeldrum again finishes in 5th place, though this time beaten under 3 and a half lengths. Again a promising performance.

 

Two days later our September Hamilton scorer, Reason To Believe, tries his hand at Wolverhampton's Polytrack surface for the first time in a 7 furlong nursery. After tracking the leaders Reason To Believe has every chance a furlong out under the seasons leading jockey Paul Hanagan but is eventually run out of it towards the line finishing 3rd, beaten under a length. Considering Reason To Believe was up 5lb for his Hamilton victory this is a very decent effort.

 

Later in the month Adam De Beaulieu runs in the final of the " Hands And Heels " Apprentice Series Handicap over 7 furlongs at Doncaster, ridden by promising apprentice Ian Burns who is attached to Michael Bell's Newmarket stable. Although Adam De Beaulieu is still a maiden he has run a number of good races since making his debut just under 12 months ago and this race certainly represents one of his best efforts, despite being 2lb out of the handicap. Adam De Beaulieu tracks the leaders and then leads over a furlong out before running on at one pace and finishing third. This is the fifth occasion Adam De Beaulieu has finished in the first three, though the first time he has done so on turf, and he surely now deserves to achieve his first career success.

 

We started this months news update with details of the latest horse owned by J P McManus to be trained at Castle Hill Stables, Front Of House. Before the month ends Ben elects to send the 8 year old to Wetherby to get an early opportunity to see Front Of House on the racecourse as he contests a 2 and a half miles Class 4 Novices' Hurdle under Barry Keniry. This proves to be a pleasing introduction as, despite getting badly hampered on the bend approaching 3 out, Front Of House runs on to finish 2nd, and although beaten 10 lengths this would have been much reduced but for being hampered at a vital stage. Ben is hoping to get another run into the horse very shortly.   

 

Ben has recently been attending the major yearling sales at both Newmarket and Doncaster, and 4 of the yearlings purchased are currently available for sale. These are:

 

100%, chesnut filly by Motivator - Chetwynd. Filly offered for sale at £10,000 + VAT. Please note no training fees in respect of this filly will be payable until 1 March 2011.

 

100%, brown colt by Baltic King - Vitava. Colt offered for sale at £10,000 + VAT.  Please note no training fees in respect of this filly will be payable until 1 March 2011.

 

50%, bay filly by Acclamation - Discover Roma. 50% of this filly offered for sale at £5,000 + VAT.

 

50%, bay filly by Baltic King - Meranie Girl. 50% of this filly offered for sale at £4,000 + VAT.

 

Additionally each of these yearlings is eligible for the £10,000 Racing Post Yearlings Bonus Scheme.

 

For further details of each of these yearlings please view our " Horses for sale " page of this website. The " Horses for sale " page will continue to be updated regularly as and when further horses become available for sale. If you are interested in purchasing shares in any of these yearlings, or you would like to arrange a visit to Castle Hill Stables to view any of these horses, please contact our office on tel. no. 01969 624351 at any time.

 

Finally, we are still awaiting a date for the broadcast of the BBC TV programme " Inside Out " which includes a feature on Ben. The Inside Out series has now started and is being shown on BBC 1 on Monday evenings at 7 30pm. As soon as the date for the broadcast of the programme featuring Ben is known it will be shown on this page of Ben's website. This should now be only a couple of weeks away and should make for essential viewing ! 

 

Ben's most successful month to date starts with River Ardeche putting in a good performance to finish 4th of 8 in the Class 4 Hambleton Cup at Thirsk.

 

Over jumps at Sedgefield both Teela and Valantino Oyster run reasonable races in a Class 4 Juvenile maiden hurdle. Teela, having been held up in the early stages, makes headway to finish 4th, whilst Valantino Oyster leads until weakening 2 out and takes 5th place. 

 

Back to the Flat and our leading 2 year old to date, Azzurra Du Caprio, runs at Doncaster's St Leger Meeting in a £25,000 Class 2 six and a half furlong nursery. Our Blue Lion Racing syndicates' filly runs another good race under jockey P J McDonald but after chasing the leaders can only run on at one pace approaching the final furlong nevertheless finishing a respectable 6th of 18 runners.

 

Another of our 2 year olds, Blake Dean, shows improved form from her racecourse debut to take 3rd place in a one mile maiden race at Newcastle. The colt, by Halling, stays on well inside the final furlong only narrowly failing to take second place. 

 

This is followed by a great 6 days for Ben with 3 winners, including 2 two year old winners, Reason To Believe and Kinlochrannoch both owned by Mrs Carol Aldridge, and Cross The Boss carrying the colours of the Widdop Wanderers.

On Sept 19th Ben takes Reason To Believe to Hamilton Park for a Class 5 nursery and the chesnut gelding keeps up Ben's remarkable record at the course by achieving his first victory under leading apprentice Ian Brennan. Reason To Believe, making his handicap debut, leads over a furlong out and stays on well, appearing to win with a little in hand. After the race Ben says that he has always liked this horse, adding that he now needs a mile. As well as Carol Aldridge, Reason To Believe has other lucky owners as shares in the horse were offered as a raffle prize at our Good Friday Open Day.

We mentioned on our July news page that shares in Reason To Believe were still available and that this could well be a shrewd purchase. A small share is in fact still available and perhaps this victory will instill further interest  --  please contact our office on 01969 624351 if you are interested in buying a share in this winning 2 year old.

2 days later another of our 2 year olds, Kinlochrannoch, runs in a Class 4 maiden race at Beverley in the hands of Paul Hanagan. The champion jockey elect has the Kyllachy filly quickly away and she ia able to make all, being ridden out to win by no less than 5 lengths, again carrying the colours of Mrs Carol Aldridge.  Ben is delighted with the victory saying that the filly had come to hand sooner than he had expected. Ben added " That's the first winner Paul { Hanagan } has ridden for me and I'm glad to have given him a winner as he fully deserves to be champion jockey ".

 

Finally, just five days after Reason To Believe's win at Hamilton, Cross The Boss opens his account be winning a one mile and a half furlong handicap at Wolverhampton. The three year old gelding out of Cape Cross is having his first run for almost 4 months and having been held up in the early stages of the race makes headway 2 out to lead inside the final furlong under jockey Philip Makin. This is an improved performance by Cross The Boss for his owners the Widdop Wanderers and  sets the seal on a memorable 6 days for Castle Hill Stables.

 

Still no precise date is known for the broadcasting of the TV programme "Inside Out" featuring Ben but it is still likely to be around the end of this month. The date will, of course, appear on our website immediately it is known.

 

Please also continue to view our website for details of yearlings purchased by Ben and which are available for sale.

August opens with Ben taking 4 horses to Carlisle on the 2nd day of the month with 2 of the runners performing creditably and making the frame. Firstly Norwegian Liberty, who had only made her racecourse debut 6 days earlier, runs another promising race to take third place beaten just over 3 lengths after keeping on in the final furlong in a Class 5 maiden race. Then, an hour and a half later, Destiny's Dancer, returning to the Flat after two good runs over hurdles, also runs on well towards the finish under Paddy Donaghy to take 2nd place, beaten just a neck, in a 1 mile 3 and a half furlong handicap.

 

The middle of the month heralds a busy, and pleasingly successful, period for Castle Hill Stables. Ben chooses to send our leading 2 year old to date, Azzurra Du Caprio, to the big York meeting to challenge for a Class 2 Nursery over 6 furlongs and is rewarded  with Blue Lions Racing's filly staying on strongly in the final furlong under Kelly Harrison to take an excellent 2nd place.

 

Over to the jumps and Ben sends Valantino Oyster, bought out of a Beverley seller, to Stratford to contest a Class 3 Juvenile Hurdle. Valantino Oyster equips himself well for his first hurdle race but after chasing the leader a mistake 3 out leaves him having to settle for 3rd place. He is entitled to come on for the experience. 

 

Bateau Bleu is next to try his hand over hurdles as he makes the journey to Market Rasen to run in a Class 4 Juvenile Hurdle. Again this is a reasonable introduction to his hurdling career and after being left in second place at the last Bateau Bleu runs on at one pace to finish second. Barry Keniry also being in the saddle for both Valantino Oyster and Bateau Bleu's races. 

 

It's then back to the Flat as Hi Dancer takes in an Amateur Riders' Handicap at Hamilton Park over 1 mile 5 furlongs. Robert Tocher's 7 year old, a course and distance winner last season, is prominent early in the race and chases the leader inside the final furlong, keeping on well in the hands of Charlotte Holmes to record a highly satisfactory 2nd place.

 

Just 10 days after her excellent second at York Ben also takes Azzurra Du Caprio up to Hamilton Park to run in a Class 4 Nursery over 6 furlongs. The move pays off as Azzurra Du Caprio leads over a furlong out and despite being hard pressed in the final furlong keeps on gamely to win by a neck under jockey P J McDonald who is achieving his first victory for our stable. This is the third winner of what is proving to be a very successful Flat season for the owners, our own Blue Lion Racing syndicate. Ben is very pleased with Azzurra Du Caprio's performance and says "She is a tough sort who holds her condition well. The right race for her to go for is the fillies nursery at Doncaster's St Leger Meeting over 6 and a half furlongs. It's a decent prize ".

 

Finally on the last day of the month another of our 2 year olds, Kinlochrannoch, makes the short journey to Ripon to contest a Class 5 maiden race. This is only the second run for Mrs Carol Aldridge's filly out of Kyllachy and she shows significant improvement by keeping on in the final 2 furlongs to take second place under the seasons leading jockey Paul Hanagan. Another of our 2 year olds, Maunby Rumba, finishes seventh in the same race.

 

August was therefore a successful month for Castle Hill Stables with 2 winners and 7 places. Ben is particularly proud of his record at Hamilton which currently reads, 2 wins, 5 seconds and a third, from just 8 runners !

 

We still do not have a date for the " Inside Out " TV programme featuring Ben. It is likely to be around the end of October but details of the precise date will be given on this website as soon as it becomes known.

 

Finally, as usual, Ben attended the St Leger Yearling Sales at Doncaster towards the end of August and will also be attending all the other major yearling sales throughout the remainder of 2010.

 

At present Castle Hill Stables have one yearling available for sale bought by Ben at the Doncaster Sales. This is a bay filly by Acclamation out of the dam Dream Vision. The dam's brother incidentally very recently won a Group 3 race in France. Ben naturally has high hopes for this filly who is being offered for sale at £7,000 plus VAT. If you are interested in purchasing this yearling, or a share of the yearling, please telephone our office on 01969 624351.
Full details of all yearlings bought be Ben at future sales and available for purchase will, of course, appear on this website. If you would like Ben to make a specific purchase on your behalf at any of the future sales, or wish to discuss the possibility of a purchase, you are welcome to contact Ben by telephone on the number shown above.           

 

         

 

July itself starts with Azzurro Du Caprio returning to Redcar, scene of her May victory, on the opening day of the month. Upped in both trip, to 6 furlongs for the first time, and in class ,to a Class 4 nursery, Azzurro Du Caprio runs another fine race under Kelly Harrison taking second place inside the final furlong. Later in the month Blue Lion Racing's 2 year old filly finishes 5th in a 7 furlong nursery at Catterick on softer ground than she has previously encountered.

 

Ben then sends River Ardeche to Pontefract for a 10 furlong handicap. With usual rider Paddy Donaghy in the saddle, Mark James and Christine Barclay's 5 year old has to be switched over a furlong out and stays on strongly in the final furlong to finish second, beaten only a neck. 10 days later River Ardeche is seen out again this time over 9 furlongs at Hamilton Park. Ridden on this occasion by the promising 7lb claimer Lee Topliss River Ardeche again keeps on well in the final furlong and frustratingly again has to settle for 2nd place, this time beaten just one length. 

 

Another of Mark James's  horses, Destiny's Dancer, makes the journey down to Stratford to contest her second juvenile hurdle. Ridden by another good claimer, the 5lb conditional jockey Giles Hawkins, Destiny's Dancer runs well but stays on at one pace to finish third, one place better than on her debut run over hurdles.

 

Later in the month Reason To Believe runs a further 2 races following his promising 5th on his debut at Ripon in June. Firstly he finishes 4th in a Class 5 maiden race over 6 furlongs at Catterick and follows this with a 6th placing when upped in grade to a Class 4 maiden over the minimum trip at Thirsk.  In these races Reason To Believe is beaten just over 7 lengths and 5 lengths respectively. These are both decent races and Ben is very pleased with the progress Reason To Believe is making .Readers of our Horses For Sale page on this website will note that shares are still available in Reason To Believe, amongst other horses. This could be a shrewd purchase  --   please contact our office on 01969 624351 if you are interested. 

 

Shortly before the end of July Ben introduces two more of our 2 year olds for the first time. Kinlochrannoch, a filly out of Kyllachy, runs 4th in a 5 furlong maiden race at Carlisle, and this is followed by Norwegian Liberty, a brown filly by Stature of Liberty, taking 5th place in a similar Beverley maiden. Norwegian Liberty is doing her best work at the finish to be beaten just over 5 lengths and this is a highly promising first race.

 

Earlier in the same afternoon at Beverley Ben buys the winner of the 3 year old selling handicap, Valantino Oyster. Ben believes this horse could develop into a very useful juvenile hurdler and he is likely to make his first appearance for Castle Hill Stables in this sphere shortly, carrying the colours of Alistair Dinsmore. 

 

Since taking over the licence at Castle Hill Stables Ben has had 3 flat winners (+ a further 3 over jumps) and no less than 10 second places ! Whilst this is naturally a source of frustration the main thing is our horses are continuing to run very well and Ben is still delighted with his horses.

 

Finally, exciting news for Castle Hill Stables  --  the BBC have recently made 2 visits here in connection with a feature they are doing on Ben in their " Inside Out " TV series. The programme featuring Ben is expected to be broadcast within the next 2 months, the precise date and time of the programme will, of course, be given on the news page of this website as soon as it is known  --  WATCH THIS SPACE !! 

 Later the same week Ben takes 2 horses up to Hamilton Park, Destiny’s Dancer and Tia Juana. Both horses acquit themselves well, running on nicely in the closing stages with both frustratingly having to settle for second places in their retrospective races.

Visitors to our Good Friday Open Day will recall that we offered as a raffle prize a free share in a 2 year old chesnut colt out of Sparticus. Ultimately 2 lucky winners won shares in the colt. The horse has subsequently been gelded and has been named Reason To Believe and he made his racecourse debut in the middle of June in a Class 5 maiden race over 6 furlongs at Ripon. Reason To Believe has already pleased Ben at home and former champion jockey Seb Sanders takes the ride. He runs an extremely promising race, only fading inside the final two furlongs to finish a highly creditable 5th of the 13 runners. This first run certainly shows significant promise for the future and should have delighted his 2 new owners from our Open Day, along with Mrs Carol Aldridge in whose colours Reason To Believe now runs. 

 On the same Ripon card Ivestar runs again. He is another horse upped in trip by 2 furlongs as he contests a one mile handicap. Ivestar again runs well but is denied a clear run in the late stages of the race and finishes a never nearer 4th at the line.

 

 

April 2010

April starts with Hi Dancer, who got Ben off the mark as a trainer when successful at Newcastle on 9th March, is reunited with his winning pilot that day, Giles Hawkins, when contesting a 2 mile 5 furlong conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Huntingdon. After a mistake at the first Hi Dancer makes headway in the middle section of the race and takes third place 2 furlongs from home before running on at one pace. Considering the race was almost three quarters of a mile further than at Newcastle 3rd place here was another typically good consistent effert by Robert Tocher's 7 year old.
 

Destiny's Dancer, Ben's other winning horse to date, is also out later in in April when she takes in a 10 furlong handicap at Nottingham. As with Hi Dancer, this race represents a step up in trip for Destiny's Dancer as her previous success at Wolverhampton had been over 7 furlongs. However Mark James' 3 year old filly runs another sound race leading all the way until 3 out before being headed and finding no extra inside the final furlong, eventually finishing 5th. 3 days later Destiny's Dancer returns to Wolverhampton's polytrack to finish 8th of 12 runners in a 9 furlong handicap.
 

Later in the month we introduce our second 2 year old runner of the season, Vienna Woods, a chesnut filly owned by Alistair Dinsmore and the Mount Racing Club. Vienna Woods, ridden by Kelly Harrison, dwells at the start but makes good headway 2 furlongs out and looks a threat at the furlong mark but can make no further impression in the final furlong, finishing fourth beaten under 2 lengths. Beling her odds of 33/1 this was a highly encouraging debut by Vienna Woods.
 

Before April closes Mark James' 3 year old filly Dance For Julie takes in a Class 4 one mile handicap at Newcastle. Dance For Julie makes headway 2 furlongs out but again cannot make any further impression inside the last furlong but nevertheless finishes a respectable 4th.
 

Many thanks to everyone who attended the Good Friday Open Day on 2nd April. We hope everyone enjoyed seeing Castle Hill Stables for the first time and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year. Your support of our stable is always very much appreciated.
 

Ben continues to be pleased with his horses, and the coming month should see many more of our 2 year olds making their first appearance on the racecourse. Certainly many are held in high regard and everyone at Castle Hill Stables eagerly awaits their debut performances.      

February / March 2010

Wednesday 24th February 2010 goes down as the date on which Ben saddles his first runner as a licensed trainer in his own right. Just a few days after having taken over the licence at Castle Hill Stables previously held by his father, Patrick, Ben has his first runner, Hi Dancer at Doncaster and who better to ride your first runner than the legendary 14 times Champion National Hunt Jockey, A P McCoy!
Hi Dancer, who has been a model of consistency in recent seasons, contests a highly competitive Class 3 handicap hurdle and after being held up in the early stages of the race makes headway 3 furlongs out under A P, but although keeping on well cannot catch reach the leaders and finishes a very creditable 5th of the 17 runners.

Into March and Adam De Beaulieu makes his third consecutive trip to Wolverhampton for a Maiden Stakes race. Following third and second places over 7 furlongs today’s race is over an extra one and a half furlongs. Adam De Beaulieu however puts in another solid performance under jockey Tom Eaves, challenging 2 furlongs out but running on at one pace in the final furlong to record another third placing.
 

Less than 2 weeks after his first runner 9th March 2010 goes down as a never to be forgotten day for Ben as he registers his first winner as a trainer, and again it’s Hi Dancer who takes the plaudits. The 7 year old, owned by Robert Tocher, is sent off a hot 2/1 favourite for an 11 runner Class 4 handicap hurdle at Newcastle in view of his previous good run. Dropped in trip to 2 miles and always in touch, Hi Dancer, given a beautiful ride by the excellent 7lb conditional jockey Giles Hawkins, makes headway 2 out and is ridden clear in the final furlong to record a 3 lengths success. This is certainly a red-letter day for Ben and a most pleasing result for everyone at Castle Hill Stables.

Later in the month Ben sends both Charmaxjoanne and Destiny’s Dancer to an evening meeting at Wolverhampton and both horses put in career best performances. Charmaxjoanne makes her handicap debut over 7 furlongs and is prominent throughout the race under Kelly Harrison. The 3 year old filly leads a furlong out but is headed close home and agonisingly loses out in a 3 way photo for the runners up spot and has to settle for 4th place. Still this is a most encouraging reappearance for her owners, the Blue Lion Racing syndicate.
 

On the same card Destiny’s Dancer also makes her handicap debut in the 2nd Division of the same 7 furlong handicap. Destiny’s Dancer is not unfancied but the 3 year old filly by Dubai Destination is denied a clear run on the inside in the early stages of the race and after making headway over a furlong out has to be switched entering the final furlong to lead in the last stride in a power packed finish. This is an excellent ride by Paddy Donaghy and a well deserved first success for Mark James’ 3 year old.
 

Adam De Beaulieu is kept on the go throughout the month. Following his third at Wolverhampton early in March he later finished in 9th place at Lingfield and is seen out again on the final day of the month in a Class 5 handicap at Southwell over 7 furlongs. Phillip Makin has the ride on this occasion and Adam De Beaulieu makes headway on the leaders 3 out, but after taking second place a furlong out can only run on at one place. Nevertheless this is another good performance by Alistair Dinsmore’s 3 year old and this second place now means he’s finished runner-up twice and third twice from just 5 runs in 2010. A win would now be richly deserved !
 

Clearly our horses have run well throughout the 5 weeks since Ben took over the licence at Castle Hill Stables and having 2 winners, plus 3 others making the frame, from only 13 runners represents a very satisfactory start to Ben’s training career.