Tuesday 11th November

Wodonga Cup Day 2008


On Sunday, November 30, Clanbrooke will once again host our annual marquee at the Wodonga Racecourse on Cup Day. Clanbrooke sponsors a race on the day and is hoping to have a number of runners including a couple in the Cup itself.

We extend an invitation to all Clanbrooke Members, whether you have a horse running or not, to come along, catch up with old friends, meet new owners and make the most of our hospitality as you cheer home Clanbrooke stable horses.

We hope to have the following horses running on the day: Acatabove, Apparel Prince, Allanthus, Gala Evening, Galaxy Guide, Gold n Silk, Jaspa Collection, Laundering, Little Bay Jug, Odin Warrior, Rumble King, Scrubby Creek and Soy.

If you are planning to attend, could you please RSVP by Friday 21st November for catering purposes.



An end to a big week of racing


Piper Farm is a small, family run Stud in Cambridge, NZ, that normally produces only 4 foals per season. Clanbrooke currently has two Piper Farm horses  in our stable - Devil's Mountain and Schwarzer. Although our two representatives were not in action last week, Piper Farm, quite incredibly, had a sensational week at the track in Melbourne. Not only did they produce the third placegetter in the Melbourne Cup (C'est la Guerre), they also bred the winner of the Matriarch S. [G2] on Stakes Day, Bird of Fire, trained by Tony Vasil. Congratulations to Piper Farm owners Cecile and Alex on these incredible results and we hope to see both Schwarzer and Devil's Mountain back at the track shortly.

As for Clanbrooke, we had three runners at Flemington for the week and although all three received only minor prizemoney, there were certainly no unhappy owners. Doubly Sure was the first for the week, fronting for the 1800m race on Oaks Day. Given his last two disappointing runs, it was very pleasing to see him narrowly miss the placings to finish fourth. He is still looking for more ground and we will now take him to the Ballarat Cup Wednesday week.

Both Rescheduled (Postponed - Tartan Belle) and Arapaho Miss raced on Stakes Day. Racing at only his 3rd start and, this time at Stakes level, Rescheduled proved that he is up to the mark, running a credible 7th, beaten only 4L. Arapaho Miss, underwhelming of late due to niggling injury, raced later in the day in the
Matriarch Stakes. Although beaten by Tony's horse Bird of Fire, Arapaho was certainly running on at the finish, showing relieved owners that she still has the will to race. She will now go for a spell and rest up in preparation for a big Autumn campaign.


Monday 27th October

Brian Jenkins breaks through with Odin Warrior


It has been a very mixed week of racing at the Clanbrooke stable. With a card of 7 potential runners scheduled to race between Friday and Sunday, 3 late scratchings left only 4 horses to carry the flag over the weekend. Rescheduled (Postponed - Tartan Belle), a promising Brian Jenkins-trained colt, ran third at Yarra Valley on Saturday and looks to improve at every start. In other runners for the weekend, Apparel Prince found the going a little tough at Albury, Doubly Sure was simply underwhelmed with the 1600m goal in the Sale Cup, and Arapaho pulled up a little short following her race at the Valley.

However, we fronted up with gusto to Pakenham today with 4 runners. The most promising, Odin Warrior (Viking Ruler - Tiffany Heights Gelding), trained by Brian Jenkins, running once again in a Maiden following a frustrating 5 placings, was also a favourite with punters, jumping at $1.60. The mark of a stable utilising a variety of trainers is that sometimes, rarely, two Clanbrooke horses come head to head. In Odin Warrior's race, Galaxy Guide (Carnegie-Kaystar Filly) was set for her first start. Trained by Russell Cameron, we felt she would run a solid, honest, first race. And so it panned out as predicted. Odin Warrior, a huge, loping gelding, took the outside running and looked the winner right from the 400m, while Galaxy Guide, caught in heavy traffic in the straight, did well to maintain her position and run the race out well to finish 5th. Congratulations to both owners and Brian Jenkins on a terrific win today.

Clanbrooke had 2 other runners at Pakenham. Jaspa Collection, racing in the second on the card, ran another gallant second (10; 0-3-2) and certainly looks to have her foot on the till. Soy, racing later in the day, was a little flat in the straight and may have had enough for her first preparation.

At the end of today, we can happily say that we have notched up 8 winners for the season to date. A terrific result so far, given that our goal is to beat the 23 wins recorded by the stable last year. With a number of promising runners in 4 Australian States and 2 countries at present, we hope to beat our record with time to spare.


Tuesday 21st October

Oh, so Majestic...

Recording the 7th win for the Clanbrooke stable this season, So Majestic notched up his second win from as many runs in Kranji (Singapore) on Sunday night (19/10). Reshod only minutes before the race, So Majestic was his regular difficult self whilst being loaded in the stalls. However, once the gates opened and jockey Danny Beasley steered him across from an outside barrier, it was virtually a fait accompli. Winning his first race by 4L, So Majestic proved far too good on Sunday for his Class 4 companions (equivalent to Aus. Class 1), this time striding home 6L in front of his nearest rival. Although it took a little time to get the strapping chestnut to the races, it seems that Cliff has him in top physical condition and, for now at least, the sky is the limit.



Friday 26th September

Clanbrooke Newsletter October 2008

The last quarter has witnessed the end of yet another season of racing and the birth of another. Throughout the 2007/08 Racing year, Clanbrooke recorded 23 wins and an additional 52 placings. A further 14 horses finished 4th. In total, Clanbrooke’s runner-earner ratio (1st to 4th) was over 54%.

Clanbrooke is also proud to announce that, for the first time in a season, we returned over $1m. prizemoney to our owners. Helped along, of course, by Arapaho's 2007 Oaks win, it was a terrific result for a diverse stable, traversing a number of trainers and locations.

Of course, Clanbrooke is looking to improve our results this Season and, with a record 40 horses on our books, the odds are with us. Boasting 3 winners in just one week for August, at the time of writing we now have 4 wins recorded for the Season.

Kicking off in Singapore on Sunday afternoon (24/8), So Majestic, a beautiful big chestnut, was finally set for a first start. Cliff Brown had been extremely patient with So Majestic (King's Best - So Explicit), giving him time to both adjust to the new surroundings in Singapore, and also mature as a racehorse. His impressive four length win was a resounding vote of confidence for such an approach and also provided Clanbrooke’s first International winner.

On Friday (29/8), two Clanbrooke stable horse in Acatabove, trained by Brian Jenkins, and Astronomo, now trained by Russell Cameron, lined up at Geelong, against one another for the first time. It was always going to be difficult for Acatabove, jumping from barrier 12, whilst Astronomo looked to be a special. And so it played out this way, Astronomo winning by 1L and the late finishing Acatabove flying down the outside to finish fourth. Astronomo may have had enough for the time being, but his promising early form indicates that we may see him closer to town next time in.

On the following Sunday at Benalla (31/8), Allanthus made it three winners for Clanbrooke in just one week. Notching up a 2nd and a win since his return from a short let-up, Allanthus now looks set for a city berth in the near future.

Scrubby Creek represents the 4th winner for the 2008/08 Season, winning at Murray Bridge (21/9), his first win since Morphetville (2/2), and the first win for recently appointed trainer Dan Clarken.

On the home front, owners are now eagerly anticipating Arapaho Miss’ return to racing in the G2 UCI S. at Flemington 4/10, following her exhibition gallop at the Mornington racecourse on Grand Final Day. Whilst she may not be set for the highest level this campaign, we hope that she will settle any queries regarding her recovery and set herself up nicely for the Autumn.

In other Clanbrooke stable news, Doubly Sure remains an outside chance for a spot in the big race in November, although time as well as minor setbacks may trump him in the end. Schwarzer is now on the mend following a bone chip operation and we expect him to return to Brian’s stable in October. And Rescheduled, aka Strauchney, is now ready to trial and is sure to turn heads with his crazy take on the mullet hairstyle.

We have recently welcomed a number of 2YO’s to our various stables. Our 2YO Elvstroem-Miss Bud colt `Bertrand’ hit the ground running at Caulfield under Tony’s watchful gaze in early September and all reports are extremely positive at this early stage. Whitbread Lass (Fastnet Rock – Secret Truth) has also recently arrived at Brian Jenkins’ stable. Both are an outside chance to debut in 2008, provided that Lady Luck shines on them.

As always, there have been some retirements over the past few months. Although such announcements are usually confined to the four legged-variety, this quarter we also broke the news to Members that Mark Minervini, trainer of Scrubby Creek as well as an as yet unnamed Dubai Destination Filly, was handing in his trainers license due to both poor personal health and a seriously ill mother. We were saddened to subsequently hear of the passing of Mark’s mother and our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

From the Bohron Park stable, Jodie has reluctanctly retired the beautiful grey Toy Pindarri gelding, `Thunder Toy’ due to persistent leg problems. From the same stable, the on-again, off-again career of Clanbrooke-bred `Apparel Prince’ now appears to be back on track. When Jodie watched him slump to the ground after a run-in with a tree earlier this year, she feared the worst. When he then failed to get to his feet for over 15 minutes, it appeared that Apparel Prince, who had been brought out of early retirement to record a first start win in February, was not going to make it. But survive he did. And although his most devoted owner travelled for over 6 hours to see his horse race at Gundagai (18/9), only to have the races abandoned following Race 2, Apparel Prince will surely make him smile again.

Speaking of retirements, the Telephone Hotline will be retired from active duty on 31st December, 2008. Patronage has been steadily decining over the last couple of years and it is no longer a viable communication vehicle. Emails will replace all last-minute emergency phone updates but, as always, we encourage Members to stay abreast of all scratchings on Raceday via the 927 scratching update service at 9am and 10am, as well as the Racing Victoria website: (http://www.racingvictoria.net.au/rvl/racing.scratchings.view.cmd).

The Clanbrooke Racing Team


Tuesday 2nd September
 

Three wins in a week kick off season 2008/09


There are not many weeks of the year when we can boast three winners on two continents. Last week just happened to be one of them.

Kicking off in Singapore on Sunday afternoon (24/8), So Majestic, a beautiful big chestnut, was finally set for a first start. Cliff Brown had been extremely patient with So Majestic (King's Best - So Explicit), giving him time to both adjust to the new surroundings in Singapore, and also mature as a racehorse. His impressive four length win was a resounding vote of confidence for such an approach and, given the way in which he accounted for the opposition, it would appear that owners are in for a terrific ride ahead.

On Friday (29/8), two Clanbrooke stable horse in Acatabove, trained by Brian Jenkins, and Astronomo, now trained by Russell Cameron,  lined up at Geelong, against one another for the first time. It was always going to be difficult for Acatabove, jumping from barrier 12, whilst Astronomo looked to be a special. And so it panned out this way, Astronomo winning by 1L and the late finishing Acatabove flying down the outside to finish fourth. Astronomo may have had enough for the time being, but his promising early form indicates that we may see him closer to town next time in.

On Sunday at Benalla (31/8), Allanthus made it three winners for Clanbrooke in just one week. Notching up a 2nd and a win since his return from a short let-up, Allanthus now looks set to return to the city very soon.



Aquanita Open Morning


A reminder to owners that the Aquanita Open Morning will take place this coming Saturday, kicking off at 8am. A light breakfast will be served following the parade of Clanbrooke horses currently in work - Doubly Sure, Matumi and Bertrand.

Both current Members and non-Members are welcome but please email us if you would like to come along for catering purposes.

Congratulations Cory Brown...

for being awarded Group 1 jockey for Season 2007/08. Of course, we already know just how good he is! Well done to a top jockey and a truly decent person.




Clanbrooke Trivia Night

Last Saturday night around 100 Clanbrooke owners (and associates) gathered at the Green Acres Golf Club in Kew for the Annual Trivia Night. It proved a terrific night for all - and the winning table? Dai Ichi - with a truly awesome performance. Well done.

We also raffled a 10% lease share in our 3YO Untouchable Filly, `Grand Ness.' Due for a second trial shortly, we hope to see her at the track in the not too distant future. And although we can't promise Group 1 glory, we can certainly look forward to a lot of fun with this filly..

We would also like to thank our sponsors on the night; GB Accounting, R&N Barr Sandblasting, DriveNow, Aquanita Racing and Taste d"vine, Bawyn, for helping ensure the success of the night.



Clanbrooke exceeds $1m. prizemoney for the 2007/08 Season


Clanbrooke is also proud to announce that, for the first time, we returned over $1m. prizemoney to our owners over the last season. Helped along, of course, by Arapaho's 2007 Oaks win, it was a terrific result for a diverse stable, traversing a number of trainers and locations.

While we said goodbye last season to Mark Minervini (as trainer), we welcomed new SA trainer Dean Clarken, as well as Aquanita's WA (Ascot) trainer Simon Miller. With a number of stable Open Days planned for the coming months, check this page for details and come along for an opportunity to meet the Clanbrooke trainers. Prospective Members as well as existing Members always welcome.


Monday 28th July


Riverend Park Open Morning


Riverend Park will once again be holding an Open Morning for all existing Members (as well as non-Members interested in having a look at the magnificent property). It is to be held on Sunday 31st August at 8am - light breakfast will be served. It is an opportunity to meet Russell Cameron and his team and also to inspect Clanbrooke and Riverend Park horses who are in training. Please emaill us if you would like to come along.



Clanbrooke newsletter July 2008

Winter is always a little quiet - at least on the racing front. However, we have been busy behind the scenes of late, naming horses, organising new merchandise, and finalising our trivia night, to be held on August 23 at Greenacres Golf Course, Kew. All profits will be donated to OARA, the Oesophageal Atresia Research Auxiliary, established under the auspices of the Royal Children's Hospital. Please refer to the link on the left hand side of this page for more information.

Click here
This month we are also launching the `Clanbrooke tie.' We have been fussing over the design for some time and have finally settled on this layout. Ties will be sold for a limited time at $50 each. We have only planned one order at this stage and, provided we have a good response, we will order soon to enable owners to wear them throughout the Spring Carnival. With so many city class horses now in the stable, it would be great to immediately recognise a fellow Clanbrooke owner at the track. If interested, please email dean@clanbrooke.comm before July 15.

As many owners are aware, Clanbrooke held a naming night for 5 of our horses on July 15 at Greenacres Golf Course. Three of the horses named on the night were recent purchases at the 2008 Melbourne Premier Sales, with a further 2 x 2YO's named on the night. The evening, from all accounts, was a complete success, and we managed, unanimously in some cases, to name all five horses thus...

1. Fastnet Rock - Secret Truth Yearling filly is now `Whitbread Lass,' (the famous `Whitbread Around the World Race' rounds the Fastnet Rock, the turning point in the 680 mile race).
2. Danehill Dancer - Temple Yearling filly is now `Temple Dancer'.
3. Invincible Spirit - Grey Dolphin Yearling Filly is now `Spirited,' nudging out the fast
finishing `Porpoise of Life.'
4. Untouchable - Turbo 2YO Filly is now `Grand Ness' (with reference to Eliot Ness, leader of
the legendary team of law enforcement agents nicknamed `The Untouchables').
5. Johannesburg - Only Wood 2YO Filly is now `Matumi' (a species of wood native to the
Johannesburg area)..

Trainers Pat Carey and Brian Jenkins were both in attendance on the night, providing owners an insight into both their own first impressions of the horses they are to train, as well as an opportunity to meet their trainer in a relaxed atmosphere on a personal level. We thank both Brian and Pat for taking time out of their busy schedules to mingle with the people who keep this industry bubbling along - you, the owners.

In racing news, we have had some high's and low's of late. Possibly the biggest thrill was Doubly Sure's run at Flemington on 17th May. Tackling 3200m for the first time in the old Duke of Norfolk S. (now the Ramsden S. [L]), Doubly took it right up to Gorky Park (who looks to be a certain Melbourne Cup starter), finishing 2nd on a rain affected track. Although Doubly will find it difficult to pass all the balloting criteria for the biggest races in Spring, he certainly made owners proud on the day.

This was also the day that our ever-consistent mare, Gala Evening, flew home at her home track (Wodonga) to make it two wins from two starts. A successful day's racing, we thought.

As it stands, our prizemoney for the 2007/08 season sits at $982,880, helped along, of course, by Arapaho's 2007 Crown Oaks win. We have only one month to reach the elusive $1m. mark, an achievable goal given the consistent performance of all stable horses of late. Over the last quarter, Clanbrooke had 36 runners for 7 winners and a further 11 placegetters, some racing in fairly tough fields. These figures equate to a 48% runners-placegetters ratio or, if you take into account the horses who finished 4th, a 60% runners-to-earners ratio.

In more sombre news, it was a shock for members of `Danrossa' to hear that she had bowed a tendon during trackwork with immediate retirement the only option. We did manage to secure her 1/2 sister, a 2YO filly by Dubai Destination, and some members have transferred across to the new Partnership. It was also a time of reflection for the patient owners of `Mondena Magic' who was found to have ligament issues in the days leading up to a long-anticipated trial. It has been a particularly long road for owners who elected to have bone chips removed from his knee last year, only to find that another injury was to prevent his track debut. We thank Members of both Partnerships for their interest and understanding and hope we meet up in another horse..

We have also recently welcomed a couple of new trainers into the fold. Robert Smerdon, long-time Aquanita trainer, based at Caulfield, will be training a new Invincible Spirit Colt, and Aquanita trainer Simon Miller will head the training team at their new satellite stable at Ascot racecourse (WA). The first horse to travel with Simon will be a Bianconi Filly.

On the share front, we have an array of shares available at present including our new 2YO Rubiton Filly for Lease and in work with Tony Vasil at Caulfield, as well as a number of shares for purchase, some in horses who are well on their way to the track. We have enclosed a flyer for your perusal.

And don't forget to have a look at our Share Exchange page where we offer individual shares in existing Partnerships. You might find yourself interested in a 3.33% share in our Oaks winner, Arapaho Miss!

Until we talk again, happy racing and may the punt be with you!
The Clanbrooke Racing Team


Tuesday 24th June

Winter in Melbourne

With fewer runners this month as winter really sets in, we have been busy organising the Clanbrooke trivia night, to be held on Saturday, 23rd August at Greenacres Golf Club, Kew. See attached for details. Seats are not limited to existing Members but are limited so book early. Tables of 8 or 10 - $35 per head, hot finger food included and great prizes to be won. And, of course, we will once again raffle a 12 month lease share in a 2YO filly. Last year our 2YO filly was Arapaho Miss. This year - well, who knows? All profits to OARA, a Children's Hospital Charity. Email dean@clanbrooke.com to book.


Tuesday 10th June

Scratchings Galore
 

It was supposed to have been a very busy weekend for Clanbrooke horses with four horses from Flemington to Eagle Farm set to run. As it panned out, only Gala Evening, chasing her hat trick at Swan Hill, actually started on Friday as planned. Unfortunately for GE, she was unable to hit the line first, going down a head to Phantom Flight. However, she is currently in the best form of her career, giving Members a lot of thrills along the way.

And proof that even the most well-laid plans do not always pan out, Ask The Music's winter sojourn to sunny Queensland has not been as successful as anticipated. The mare was scratched for the second time on the weekend because of the torrential rains all around Qld at present. Brett Cavanough, the new (rejuvenated) trainer of Ask The Music will wait for tracks to dry out a little before running the mare for the first time up North.

In other weekend scratchings, Laundering was just not quite right the night before his big test at Flemington on Saturday and Shane elected not to take the trip to Melbourne. Mondena Magic was set to debut at Swan Hill on Sunday but was found to be again  a little sore the day before. Following Brian Cox's heartbreaking loss of Windawoppa at Flemington on Saturday, he was reluctant to take a risk with a horse who was not 100% fit and, unfortunately for Members who had made the trip to Swan Hill, Mondena was scratched.

However, the week ahead looks busy indeed. In a surprising turn of events, Persian Prince, our 7YO Abassi gelding, is set to have his first run in 10 months at Wagga on Saturday. Good Luck to both horse and trainer Jodie Bohr who has shown incredible patience with the big lad.

Thursday 5th June

Trivia Night

Clanbrooke has confirmed the date for our second Annual Trivia Night. Please keep Saturday evening, 23rd August free. Invitations will be sent to all owners shortly.

And yes, we will once again raffle a share in one of our horses. Winning the raffle last year certainly made Jan Richards year, going on to watch her horse, Arapaho Miss, win the Oaks. We can't guarantee Group 1 success but you have to be in it to win it. Proceeds to be donated to OARA (Childrens' Hospital Charity).



Monday 26th May

Auction Time


It has been a busy couple of weeks since our Naming Night, both on and off the track. We trust that all Members who attended Greenacres Golf Course on the 15th had an informative and enjoyable evening and we are grateful to both Pat Carey and Brian Jenkins for attending and introducing themselves to all our new Members. The names selected on the night will be submitted this week and announced shortly when registration has been confirmed.

                                                                                   

We announced on the evening that we will be auctioning the silks worn by Corey Brown on Arapaho Miss in the 2007 Crown Oaks, signed by both Corey and Pat Carey. The silks have been mounted and framed with a plaque below (see above) and proceeds of the sale will be donated to the Jockeys' Benevolent Fund. We will be taking bids until 12 midday, 30th June 2008. Bids will be received via email only and a receipt will be sent. We will update the current bid on the left hand side of this page within 24 hours. All bids are confidential. If you would like to place a bid please email dean@clanbrooke.com.

At the track, it has been a fairly exciting time for owners. Bromson was all around it again, finishing 3rd at Bendigo 16/5 and has now gone for a well earned spell. On Saturday 17/5, Gala Evening surprised no-one except punters it seemed when she flew home for her second win on the trot at her home track, Wodonga. On the same day, Doubly Sure fronted at Flemington for his biggest test to date; 3200m on a slow track against many Cup hopefuls. 2 miles is a tough ask of any horse, but Doubly did his owners proud, finishing second to Victorian Derby [G1] second placegetter, GORKY PARK ,who looks to have the Cups firmly in his sights. Doubly Sure now has Black type and after a short spell, will tackle some tougher opposition in the Spring. Yesterday, Laundering was just beaten at Mildura whilst Astronomo, a 3YO Galileo gelding, finally debuted at Ballarat, finishing 5th in a very green run. Looking ahead, Ask The Music has been transferred back to Brett Cavanough for a Qld campaign throughout the wetter months and Arapaho Miss continues her recovery, thriving in the paddock at present.

Tuesday 12th May

What's in a Name?


On Thursday 15th May, owners of three yearlings recently purchased by Clanbrooke (the FASTNET ROCK - Secret Truth Filly, the DANEHILL DANCER - Temple Filly and the INVINCIBLE SPIRIT - Grey Dolphin Filly), as well as 2 x 2YO's who are now gearing up for their first preparation (JOHANNESBURG - Only Wood Filly and the UNTOUCHABLE - Turbo Filly), will assemble at the Greenacres Golf Club in Kew for a `Naming Evening.'

Reserved largely for horses purchased by Clanbrooke (instead of those syndicated for others), our naming nights provide an opportunity for owners to meet one another prior to raceday and also, where possible, hear from both bloodstock agent Kevin Dagg who is almost always instrumental in sale yard purchases, as well as the prospective trainer of the individual horse. It is also a chance for owners to put forward their own name suggestions. Once collated, Members vote on the final selection of available names, the tally called out on the evening and the name announced.

So, what's in a name? Here's just a few of Clanbrooke's current stable horses and the inspiration behind their names...

Arapaho Miss (Danehill Dancer - Happy Heart); originally named `Danelux' by owners, this name was never embraced. Instead, fourth dam, Pocahontas, provided the inspiration for the American-Indian themed name which was subsequently registered.
Doubly Sure (O'Reilly - Pyjamas); by NZ-based Irish-born Sire, O'Reilly, Members were heard to mutter `to be sure, to be sure' with ghastly Irish twang. Hence, the name was born.
Odin Warrior (Viking Ruler-Tiffany Heights); Odin, one of the most important viking gods, was known as the god of war.
Schwarzer (Keeper - Tokyo Belle); for those who follow the Socceroos, Mark Schwarzer is the Australian goal keeper.
Evening Dress (Black Tuxedo - Cabaret); this one is fairly self-explanatory
Astronomo (Galileo-Pareja); as is this one.

Let's hope that owners this Thursday select a name befitting their horse. Results will be posted on this page once horses have been registered.

We look forward to meeting new owners and welcoming back familiar faces on the night.

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