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Monday 4th May



Tragedy at Sandown


It is with much sadness that we must report the passing of our Viking Ruler staying gelding, Odin Warrior, following his race at Sandown yesterday. Rounding the home turn in familiar position, Odin looked to have the race in the bag. However, at the top of the straight viewers and onlookers saw him balk, and jockey Aaron Spiteri quickly pulled him out of the race in the knowledge that something was horribly wrong. Although Odin managed to walk himself off the track, the ensuing vet inspection confirmed the worst. Odin Warrior had snapped his leg in half. He was  humanely euthanised immediately.

Odin Warrior was bred by Echuca-based breeder Lorna Moore and it was his striking physique that caught everyone's eye as a young horse. A late maturer, Odin Warrior debuted at the track in early 2008, already a 3YO. Breaking through for his maiden win in October 2008 at Pakenham over 1400m, Odin had already notched five placings previously and looked to be a horse on the move. Hitting his stride at distances over 2000m, Odin continued his success with two wins in 6 weeks, the first at Stoney Creek (2100m) in March this year, the second at Cranbourne (2025m) on 19th April. Yesterday was his first tilt at 2400m, a distance trainer Brian Jenkins thought would become his pet distance.

Most owners were at the track when the injury occurred and the above photo of Odin Warrior was taken just prior to the race with Odin Warrior resplendent in his new blinkers. Trainer Brian Jenkins and staff were understandably inconsolable following the tragic accident.


In other news, Clanbrooke also had 3 first starters over the weekend. At Ballarat on Friday, Bertrand (Elvstroem - Miss Bud) made his much anticipated debut, although it was only ever going to be an education run as he was ready for a break and certainly looks to be a horse who will only improve with age - and distance. Settling last, Bertrand made a nice run around the bend and into the first half of the straight. Making up a little ground in the straight and gaining some valuable inside running experience along the way, he finished back in the field, ready for the paddock. Tony was pleased with the way he handled himself and we anticipate an exciting Spring campaign from this stunning chestnut colt.

On Saturday at Wodonga, debuting in the premier 2YO race - the Jack Maher Classic - was `Isle of Elba,' a recently named Half Hennessy gelding. It was not, unfortunately, an auspicious debut, the gelding proving most disagreeable for the jockey, finishing well behind the rest of the field. At this stage, Isle of Elba's future is not exactly certain. No doubt, Dean and Brian will discuss his prospects over the coming days.

On a much brighter note, Tony Vasil-trained Skystreamer (Fantastic Light - Meribel) debuted at Cranbourne yesterday. Not considered a big chance, based on both his trackwork to date and also the fact that on pedigree he is likely to require more distance, Skystreamer surprised owners when he turned in a terrific performance to finish 2nd (0.3L) to the Mick Prince-trained Redoute's 3YO filly Filuja. Skystreamer certainly proved himself a racehorse at only his first outing and it seems things can only get better from here.

Thanks also to Members who braved the brisk morning air to attend the Aquanita Open morning on Saturday. It was a terrific opportunity to meet fellow owners and, of course, inspect Partnership horses. Here are a few snaps from the morning....

                                                                       
                                                                 Trent and Dean          Aqua walker                           Skystreamer                   Skystreamer


Monday 27th April

Open Days and other plans...
 

Aquanita Racing Open Day: Clanbrooke Racing in conjunction with Aquanita Racing will be hosting an Open Morning at the Caulfield stables on Saturday 2nd May from 8am. Current owners will have a chance to inspect their horse and, of course, a BBQ breakfast will be served on-course. Horses available for inspection on the day include: Bertrand, Matumi and Skystreamer. Owners of Aquanita horses not currently stabled at Caulfield are also welcome to attend. Such owners will have the opportunity to inspect their horse in the not too distant future at another Open Morning - details to be advised. Please email the office if you have not already done so if you plan attending on Saturday, for catering purposes.

Pat Carey Open Morning: We will be holding an Open Morning at Pat Carey's stable in Mornington on Sunday 24th May from 8am. Current owners will have a chance to inspect their horse and, of course, a BBQ breakfast will be served. Horses available for inspection on the day include: Arapaho Miss, Azzurro Moon, the Beautiful Crown Yearling, Beulah Belle, Influential Miss, Invincible Belle, Lucky Owners and Temple Dancer. Owners of Pat Carey-trained horses not currently stabled at Mornington are also welcome to attend. Please email the office if you have not already done so if you plan attending on Saturday, for catering purposes.

Clanbrooke 2009 Owners Day: Although details are yet to be finalised, we are also advising Clanbrooke owners to keep Saturday 23rd August free. We will be releasing details in the coming week - and the event is on a much larger scale than anything we've hosted in years gone by.

Horses ready to race: We often have prospective clients contacting us, expressing their desire to get involved with a horse who is either racing or ready to race, hesitant to commit to the (often) 2 years it takes to groom a Yearling for the races. Whilst we do not often have such shares available for purchase, we have just added a new section to the Clanbrooke `Shares for Sale' page that lists such horses, currently available through Aquanita Racing, trained by Heath Conners at Caulfield. Of the 7 horses currently  listed, 2 are currently racing and the other 5 are in pre-training and not too far away from their racetrack debut. If you have always wanted to own a share in a racehorse - and are a little impatient - why not have a look at Heath's current offering's?




Wednesday 1st April
 

                                        Clanbrooke Newsletter - April 2009


Dean has been busy in recent months, attending sales in Karaka, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, whilst also finding the time to inspect our Bianconi filly (shares still available) in Ascot, WA. Whilst the sales arena is certainly a transformed landscape this year, economic conditions have also enabled buyers including ourselves, to realise true value - value which is then passed on to owners.

Clanbrooke purchased four filles in total across the four sales. The first, a Postponed x Security filly, selected at the Karaka sale, is now almost fully subscribed. Her near-perfect conformation took Brian Jenkins’ eye at the sales and he is thrilled to be training her. The second, a Beautiful Crown x Duchess Danehill Filly, carrying our favourite bloodline on the dam side, will be trained by our Oaks winning trainer, Pat Carey. The third, a Good Journey x Country Class filly, selected by our Bloodstock Agent Kevin Dagg at the Melbourne Premier Sale, is going to a familiar stable with a new trainer for Clanbrooke in Robert Smerdon. Finally, the fourth, a Not a Single Doubt filly, is by the hot 1st season sire who celebrated his 6th winner and 4th individual winner last weekend, securing his position in the top 10 on the First Season Sires table. This filly will be trained by Mark Minervini in Morphetville.

None of the above shares surpass $5K and all, on paper, look to have residual broodmare value. We are also, for the first time in a long while, offering 5% shares (no guarantee of name in book) on all of our recent purchases. In this way, you can own a share of a racehorse for as little as $1650!

Back at the track, we have had a plethora of runners recently. Whilst too many to mention individually, we must make special mention of a horse who was bred by Clanbrooke in conjunction with Jodie Bohr. The horse is Apparel Prince, and he recently celebrated a hat-trick, a terrific achievement for a horse who struggled to make it to the races. Congratulations to trainer Jodie Bohr. Apparel Prince has certainly bolstered our win tally for the year which currently stands at 18. We are looking to improve on last year’s tally of 24 and now, two thirds of the way through the year, we look to be on track.

As always, we have had retirements throughout the last quarter. Gold n Silk, the striking Johannesburg filly who showed great promise winning her maiden on 1st November, was subsequently found to be suffering from a degenerative joint condition. Retirement from racing was deemed essential and immediate and she has been returned to her owner to embark on her new broodmare career. It was also an inauspicious beginning – and ending - for our Untouchable filly, Grand Ness. Although owners had well founded faith in the pedigree of the filly, this did not translate to the racetrack. Finishing well back in her three outings, we are now seeking a good home for her. If anyone is interested, please contact the office.

Although not a retirement, another stable horse has suffered a loss of his own of late. Doubly Sure, our placid SP O’Reilly 5YO was recently gelded following a spate of less than exemplary performances at the track, as well as some cheeky behavior behind the scenes. He will be back in Tony Vasil’s stable shortly and we look for an improved showing throughout his Spring campaign.

A number of horses have also been inaugurated into the world of racing throughout the last quarter. Our Galileo – Queen’s Minstrel Gelding was recently named `Great Player,’ our Octagonal – Biddy Filly was named `Azzurro Moon,’ our Half Hennessy – Bold Elba Gelding was named `Isle of Elba,’ our Black Hawk – Imperial Trisk Colt was named `Dark Empire,’ and our Strategic – Mayneda Filly was named `Mayneda Strategy.’ Thanks to all owners who submitted names.

There are also a number of youngsters at various locations almost ready to make their racetrack debut. At Caulfield, our 3YO Johannesburg Filly, Matumi, is set to trial shortly, as is our 2YO Elvstroem colt, Bertrand. In Wodonga, both Dark Empire and Isle of Elba (shares still available) are set to debut shortly for trainer Brian Cox. At Riverend Park, the recently named `Great Player’ came extremely close to trialling before going shinsore once more. He is an impressive fellow who obviously requires a little more time, but the wait should be worth it if Russell’s opinion is correct.

All Members will now be aware that we are sending invoices out via email. Please contact us at brooke@clanbrooke.com if you have any issues in relation to opening up the attachments on such emails. There is no doubt that there will be some teething problems and it is imperative that all Members update their email details as soon as they change.

We also have a few dates for Members to record. We will be hosting Open Mornings at all stables over the next few months. The first at Aquanita’s Caulfield stable, will be held on Saturday 2nd May from 7:30am. Almost all horses currently trained by either Tony Vasil or Trent Pennuto will be present and a BBQ breakfast will be provided. The second will be at Pat Carey’s Mornington stables, and while the date is yet to be confirmed, it is likely to be on a Sunday morning in late May and details will be forwarded once confirmed. Again, we will endeavour to have all horses currently trained by Pat in attendance and breakfast will be provided. We will announce details of an open morning at Brian Jenkins’ stable in coming months.

On a final note, our heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by the terrible fires that swept through Victoria on 7th February. Whilst none of our trainers have been directly impacted, fire did sweep through Cliff Brown’s Narbethong property. Now training out of Singapore, Cliff was relieved to find that, remarkably, no residents – including the horses – were injured in the fires.

We hope you’re enjoying the Autumn Carnival and if your horse is racing, the best of luck.

Lots of winners,
Clanbrooke Racing


 

Wednesday 11th March


 

 

                                                      The week in view


Clanbrooke has had two racehorses in history who have won three on the trot for the stable. Strangely enough, both feature in the same race at Sandown today - Apparel Prince whose trainer Jodie Bohr is taking a leap of faith with the gelding, bringing him to town following his terrific Open Class win last start at Albury,  as well as Clanbrooke stallwart Ask The Music, who is now racing for Cliff Brown's Narbethong trainer Alan Evett.  Apparel Prince may be stepping up in class today, however his terrific 56.80s. 1000m last start compares with the best in the land (Scenic Blast won the Lightning S. [G1] last week in a time of 56.94s.). For a home bred (Clanbrooke x Jodie Bohr) gelding, it would be such a thrill to see him finish in the mix.

Jodie has also taken over the reins, at least for the time being, of our 3YO Untouchable filly, Grand Ness. Finding the going tough at provincial meetings in her two starts to date, Jodie will take her to Albury on Sunday with a host of other runners, to try her luck at a weaker class race. We wish Jodie all the best.

Clanbrooke stable horses were in action throughout the state over the Labour Day long weekend. Firstly, a heartfelt congratulations goes out to Odin Warrior members who witnessed his cruisy win over 2100m in the Showcase race at Stoney Creek on Sunday. A second win for the big gelding, he is a horse who, on breeding,  will only get better with age. Allanthus also took to the track, finishing 3rd at the Valley on Monday over 2500m. Although he probably should have won, he certainly confirmed that he is around his optimum distance now and a win shouldn't be too far off.  And who could forget Arapaho Miss. The mare featured in Group 1 racing on Saturday, coming up against the boys in the Australian Cup. Although she made up some ground in the straight, she did seem to be looking for more and a program will now be mapped out along these lines.


 

Monday 23rd February
                                                                            

                                               3 in a row for the Prince


A heartfelt congratulations to owners of `Apparel Prince' for his terrific win - the third in succession - for the 5YO Gelding at Albury last Friday. Competing in his first Open Class race with only 2 wins under his belt, the Prince displayed all the grit we know he possesses to stave off  rivals in a close finish. Because of this win, Jodie and Clanbrooke will have to reassess his immediate program - perhaps a trip into town is no longer a pipe dream...


 

Friday 20th February

 

                                                      The year so far...


With 31 starters for the year so far, the stable has achieved 4 winners, 3 second's, 3 third's and 6 fourth's. Although Racing Victoria now pays prizemoney down to 10th place, in most cases, placings from 5th down to 10th are mere token amounts. Clanbrooke has, traditionally, tallied prizemoney down to 4th and will continue to do so for now. That said, given our 31 starters to date, we have almost a 50% runners-earners ratio which, considering that we have had 3 first starters in Lyrical Currency, Beulah Belle and Grand Ness, as well as a high number of stayers who are, more often than not, only remote prospects at best over their first few outings, we think the stable is ticking along nicely at present.

So, what are the highlights to date? Well, obviously our four wins have been highlights - Apparel Prince, our home-bred 5YO Fubu Gelding, a horse who looked unlikely to make his debut at times, accounts for 2 of the stable wins for 2009. With a terrific record of 10: 3-0-1, the Prince has certainly provided many thrills for long-time Members. He will contend his first Open class race shortly and while this represents a huge jump in class for the gelding, his tenacity over the 1000m may just see him feature in the finish.

The second winner, Rescheduled, our Postponed gelding with the crazy mane, won at Yarra Valley the day before Australia Day. Only lightly raced to date, his promising 7th in the Listed Hilton International on Emirates Stakes Day  gave owners a sniff at the gelding's long-term potential. It should be onwards and upwards for this lad as he heads to Sandown next week over 1400m.

And the retirements? We have only one retirement to date this year. It was a most disappointing end to a brief racing career marked by the high's and low's. As an unraced filly, Tony Vasil felt her racing prospects were ominous at best. In fact, her first start vindicated his opinion. Finishing 9th of 10 at Moe, Tony  decided to give her just one more start to confirm her seeming lack of ability. However, her second race revealed a different horse - a racehorse to boot. Finishing 3rd at Sale in mid-December, Gold n Silk went on to win her Maiden at Kyneton on 11th January by the narrowest of margins. However, a fairytale this wasn't. Her following 2 starts were lacklustre and, following a vet inspection, it was found that she had suffered a bone chip, and was also diagnosed with a degenerative joint condition. Unfortunately, retirement was the only option.

The casualties? As opposed to retirements, casualties this month refer to a completely other intricacy of racing. Doubly Sure, our 5YO O'Reilly gelding who has shown incredible staying potential, particularly on the heavy going in the Listed Andrew Ramsden over 3200m (2nd) in May 2008, as well as the Listed Ballarat Cup (5th) in Novemebr 2008, was certainly well below his best at his last outing on New Years Day in the Listed 3200m Bagot Hcp (13th). Taking all stable observations and track performance into consideration, the difficult decision was subsequently made to geld the gentle boy. He is currently resting and recuperating and will return to work shortly, a little lighter of course.

And the ones to watch? Astronomo, a 4YO Galileo Gelding has finished within 1L from the winner at his last 4 outings. With a jump in distance today at Moonee Valley, we are hoping that he will take the next step in his career. Allanthus, a 4YO Street Cry Gelding, already G2 placed (2nd Autumn Clsc.), has been incredibly consistent throughout his short career and as he approaches his optimum distances, we hope to see him in the winners circle again very soon.   Mayneda Strategy, a Strategic Filly (from Mayneda) and recent addition to the Clanbrooke stable, had an incredible debut at Warnambool on 13th February, beaten only by a whisker.  Her next start has not been scheduled as yet but she seems an exciting filly.   So Majestic resumed recently at Sha Tin, lacking a little fitness at the end to finish 8th. His work has been stepped up  a notch and he should hit the track again in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile Odin Warrior, our 4YO Viking Ruler Gelding finished a very credible 4th today at Ballarat, hitting the lead in the straight in a Showcase race and showing that he will certainly rejoin the winners list very soon.

As for Arapaho Miss, our star filly, despite a promising return at Sandown on 24th January over an entirely unsuitable 1300m, her last start at the Valley was less than perfect, and owners are now looking for an improved performance in the Victoria Gold Cup on February 28 at Caulfield. She seems to have overcome her injury and we look for an improved performance at her next start.


 

Monday 9th February


 

 

                                                  The stable is growing...


                                                                              
                                                                              Beautiful Crown x Duchess Danehill Filly

We have added to our stable again today, this time at the Sydney Classic Sale. Inspected and recommended by our Bloodstock Agent Kevin Dagg, we were very pleased to purchase the above Beautiful Crown filly.

This is the first foal for DUCHESS DANEHILL (by Danehill Dancer). Second dam, Curzon Place, is a half sister to Victoria Debry [G1] winner BLACKFRIAR's, as well as SA Oaks [G1] winner LARROCHA, G2 winner MANTON, as well as 2 other Stakes winners.

We will advertise this filly as soon as we have appointed a trainer. In the meantime, if you are interested, please email us and we will provide further information.

Beautiful Crown x Duchess Danehill - pedigree

As a consequence of our recent purchases, we have decided to have a clearance of all remaining shares in Clanbrooke 2YO's.

  Black Hawk x Imperial Trisk 2YO Colt - trained by Brian Cox in Wodonga. Only $250 ingoing Management Fee (instead of the regular $750) and $250 per month per 10% share. 1 share remains. Colt in full work.

  Half Hennessey x Bold Elba 2YO Gelding - trained by Brian Cox in Wodonga. 25% discount on the ingoing price - down to $1500 per 10% share and $250 per month per 10% share. Gelding in full work.



 

Friday 6th February
 

                                                     Latest Arrivals

                                     
                                                         Postponed x Security Filly            Castledale x Moss Arising Filly


We are pleased to announce 2 new additions to the Clanbrooke stable, both purchased last week at the Karaka Select Sale (NZ).

The first is a Postponed Filly, by the same Sire as our own `Rescheduled,' out of the Grosvenor mare`Security',  who has had 2 winners from as many to race.

Clanbrooke purchased this filly in conjunction with Trainer Brian Jenkins who observed; “with her conformation, she should top any sale in Australia/NZ.”

Boasting 20 individual winners from 38 first crop runners, Postponed’s statistics have continued to impress over the last 2 Seasons and he now has 3 Group 1 winners to his name. Interestingly, Postponed finished 3rd by average at the Karaka Select Sale.

We had intended to advertise this filly shortly but as 9 shares have already sold to existing members, this may not be necessary. If you are interested, please contact us and we will provide additional information.

The second addition is a Filly by first season Sire `Castledale,' the multiple G1 winning son of Peintre Celebre, out of mare `Moss Arising.' Bought on type - for a great price - this filly would be ideal to be taken up by a group of friends. We will advertise her on this website and elsewhere as soon as photos are received. If you are interested in the meantime, please contact us to discuss options.

Postponed x Security Filly - pedigree
Castledale x Moss Arising Filly - pedigree

 

 

Sunday 1st February
 

                                Riverend Park Owners Lunch Postponed


Please be advised that the proposed owners lunch at Riverend Park which was to take place on Sunday 15th February, has been postponed until further notice. We will notify owners and post details on this page when a new date has been set.

 

Friday 23rd January
 

                                         Riverend Park Owners Lunch
 

On Sunday 15th February, Clanbrooke and Riverend Park will host a lunch for existing owners as well as anyone interested in having a look at the wonderful property. Russell will take a few Clanbrooke stable horses through their paces on the day, prior to lunch. Owners are welcome from 11:30am.

Please advise the office via email if you plan to attend, for catering purposes.

 

Monday 12th January
 

 

                                              Newsletter - January 2009


2008 was a year marked by highs and lows. Amongst the broader racing community, 2008 promised respite from the crippling Equine Influenza crisis. As for Clanbrooke, well, we anticipated an even better year for our star filly, Arapaho Miss.

As the National Yearling sales swung into gear, records fell nation-wide and the dour times appeared to be behind us. At the same time, Arapaho Miss hit the track in style, notching up a 3rd and 4th in elite company over unsuitable distances.

Only months later, global economic crisis saw decreasing sales results creep across the globe, and our star mare was relegated to extended paddock rest when it was discovered that she had sustained bone chips in the Randwick Guineas.

Yet racing goes on and the last quarter of the year yielded 9 winners for Clanbrooke - from Morphetville - to Berrigan - to Kranji (Singapore). We think we have an exciting racehorse in So Majestic, trained by Cliff Brown in Singapore. His 2 wins and 1 second (from only 3 starts) have kick started what we hope will be a long and prosperous career, so keep an eye on the Singapore form as he tackles some bigger races in the Autumn.

Opportunities for emerging racehorses are so ripe in Singapore that we will be buying a horse at the Yearling Sales with the specific intention of racing in Singapore. As a guide, training fees are equivalent to Australian standards at approximately $275 per 10% per month. Whilst the initial freight cost (approximately $1000 per 10% share) is in addition to the purchase price, horses subsequently race at Maiden level for AU$50K instead of the Australian $12.5K. We are looking to spend up to AU$40K so if you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please contact us as we have more information about Singapore racing available on request.

Despite the downturn in the economy, Clanbrooke expects to be active at the upcoming Yearling sales. We believe the depressed market will enable us to realize better value for money. We are seeking to buy progeny by a select few Sires – please call us (9540 0317) for more information. Similarly, if you wish to have some input into the purchase, please contact us prior to the sales.

Enclosed is a flyer highlighting shares currently on offer. If you do not like to wait for a horse to mature, have a look at the current ready to run 2YO’s we have in our stable. With Sires including Danehill Dancer, Johannesburg, Strategic and Black Hawk, it promises to be a year of exciting track debut’s.

As always, we have witnessed retirements over the last quarter. We wished Gala Evening luck in her upcoming stud career after her three years with Clanbrooke. Her record (40: 6-11-5 and $82K prize money) is testimony to the fantastic ride experienced by all Members. Jupiter Lass was also retired from the Clanbrooke stable and sold to a Member of the Partnership who will continue to race her. We wish him luck and will follow her career with interest. Soy, a 4YO Fusaichi Pegasus mare was also recently retired. Initially full of promise, her more recent efforts at the track were less than impressive, and trainer Russell Cameron recommended retirement. Members agreed and she will, more than likely, go to stud in 2009 with a great pedigree behind her.

In other news, Acatabove has been transferred to Morphetville and the recently reinstated trainer Mark Minervini. Mark elected to relinquish his trainers license a few months ago due to personal reasons, but has since decided to reapply and establish a new training complex. We welcome Mark back to the fold and wish him the best of luck in the upcoming season with Acatabove and also some new horses we hope to send him in 2009.

We also welcome back Trent Pennuto, formerly of Mornington, to the Clanbrooke trainers list. Recently joining Aquanita at Caulfield, Trent now trains a new Strategic filly for Clanbrooke. We look forward to many more training pursuits with Trent and wish him the best of luck from his new base.

For those who were not in attendance, Clanbrooke hosted our annual marquee on Wodonga Cup Day, November 30. About 30 Members made their way to the border town for the day and whilst 3 horses looked set to run, a comedy of errors saw but one, our stable matriarch in Gala Evening, tackle the field for the last time. Galant in defeat, Members were pleased they had witnessed an end to a career. Thanks to all who attended. Our 2009 plans have not been finalized just yet, but we are looking at a Members day a little closer to home, perhaps at Mornington later in the year.

The forthcoming summer racing program also promises some nail biting times for owners. Doubly Sure is set to tackle the Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Years Day. Whilst his run on the sodden track in the Ballarat Cup was inspiring, his performance at his most recent outing at Caulfield was lacklustre. Owners hope that his renowned aversion to his home track was to blame. A classic stayer, Doubly needs a big win if he is to tackle the longer races later this year.

As mentioned in our last newsletter, the Telephone Hotline has now been retired from active duty. Patronage had been steadily declining over the last couple of years and was 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). Due to separate circumstances beyond our control, the Members web is currently unavailable. We will advise when it is working again and, in the meantime, updates will be distributed via email.

Thanks to all Members for your ongoing support throughout 2008. Have a great summer and see you at the track in 2009.

Clanbrooke Racing




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.



Monday 5th May

Gala Evening snatches victory at Wagga
 

Gala Evening, Clanbrooke's ever-consistent mare, fronted up at Wagga on Friday for one of the biggest tests of her career. Her 25-1 odds reflected the strength of the field in the 1400m Wagga Diamond Rose, worth over $25k, and despite cautious optimism from trainer Brian Cox , Gala Evening ran the race of her career, going on to snatch victory from promising Gwenda Marwell-trained Carolina Pines. Gala Evening has earned prizemoney at 19 of her 30 career starts and her earnings to date fall just short of $68K. Not bad for a mare who has done most of her racing around the border. Friday's run was certainly Gala Evening's best to date and Brian will now reassess her upcoming program.
 

Monday 28th April

Results all round for Clanbrooke Sires

FASTNET ROCK looks set to become Leading First Season Sire by average after terrific results at the William Inglis Easter Yearling Sale last week. Averaging an astounding $301K from 35 lots sold, and topping Exceed and Excel's $287K, he also sold to $190K at the Inglis Classic Sale. Brian Jenkins, for whom Clanbrooke is syndicating our own Fastnet Rock Filly, believes that she may well be the bargain of the Premier Sale. With only one share remaining and the naming night looming (May 15),  this share will not last long.

MONTJEU also notched up his first Group 1 winner on Saturday in the AJC [G1] Derby when Murray Baker-trained 3YO gelding NOM DU JEU scored at upset victory. Clanbrooke currently has shares in a 3YO gelding, Devil's Mountain, available. In full work with two trial wins and one run under his belt, Devils' Mountain is due to run for the second time at Sale on Tuesday. Brian has high expectations of this gelding and, should he win, the purchase price will urely increase as well.

It was also pleasing to note LION HEART's first Northern hemisphere winner over the weekend. According to breednet.com.au, "The Todd Pletcher-trained filly [Pride] stalked the pace and then finished off too well in scoring by a length and a quarter in the four and a half furlong maiden event for fillies, beating another Lion Heart in Cameron Crazies." Clanbrooke currently has shares available in a LION HEART Filly. See our Shares for Sale page for further information.
 

Thursday 17th April

Doubly Sure - Surely a stayer

Following Doubly Sure's last run, Members were a little confused. Told by the previous jockey that he wasn't a stayer, everything they had been told by trainer Tony Vasil, as well as our own understanding of the horse's ability, was thrown into question following this declaration.

In the mounting yesterday at Sandown, Doubly Sure was certainly asleep. With his head bowed to his knees, he loped around for the small crowd to see. Only Clanbrooke's Bloodstock Agent Kevin Dagg, was excited by this, a trademark of a true stayer according to Kevin.

In the race, the pace was on from the start. And, from ten lengths behind the leader at the top of the long Hillside straight, jockey Mark Zahra was forced to pull Doubly Sure five wide to the outside. However, at the 400m, Doubly saw the post, changed his stride and ground home once again, pegging back the leaders one by one. At the 300m, still 7L behind the leader, Doubly was home. Hitting the lead only at the 20m mark, he won by 3/4L, only 0.2s outside the track record.

What does this mean for owners? Well, the Spring campaign is back on. Doubly will have two more runs this prep. before resting in preparation for the biggest test of his racing life. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Owners are just pleased that he has proved the last jockey wrong. He is certainly a stayer and the future is bright.

Despite Arapaho Miss' setback last week and subsequent successful surgery yesterday, three Clanbrooke wins in 5 days have taken the edge off the disappointment. We have a number of promising horses in Doubly Sure, Danrossa, Odin Warrior, Schwarzer and Ask The Music, not to mention winners Jupiter Lass, Laundering and Bromson. Despite the absence of Arapaho in the Spring, we have a great band of horses who are set to contest some of the better races later this year. And who knows, we may still have a runner in one of the Cups in November.
 

Monday 14th April

A double for Shane Fliedner

Congratulations to owners of both Bromson and Laundering, both celebrating their maiden win at Tatura on Saturday. This pair, syndicated at the same time, have since trained together, spelled together, been gelded together (!) and now, won their first race together. Shane was confident that both would be prove to be handy when they had a little more experience and their performance on Saturday indicates that they have many wins ahead of them. Congratulations Shane.
 

Monday 14th April

If only...


Interesting to note that on Saturday, Zarita made it 4 successive wins with a 0.75-length victory against the males in the $325,000 Gr1 South Australian Derby (2500m) for 3YOs at Morphettville in Adelaide. Of course, Zarita was almost 9L behind Arapaho Miss in the Crown Oaks last year. Also on Saturday, Serious Speed snatched victory by a half-neck against the males in the $200,000 Gr2 Veolia Environmental Hobartville Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs at Rosehill. Serious Speed was the second placegetter in the Crown Oaks last year, finishing 2L behind Arapaho. If only we were going to be there this year - what a race it would have been.
 

Tuesday 8th Aril

Arapaho out of the Oaks

Most people will have heard the news that broke on Monday afternoon - Arapaho Miss, our G1 Oaks winning filly who has been staying in Sydney  as she prepares for the AJC Oaks, is now on her way back to Melbourne. Scans yesterday afternoon confirmed that she has a fresh bone chip in one knee and it is expected, following consultation with leading vets, that she will undergo immediate surgery and subsequently go on extended sick leave. She will, of course, miss the AJC Oaks on 30th April, as well as both the Melbourne and Caulfield Cup, for which she is currently equal 4th favourite.

The news was certainly a blow for owners who had two more trips to Sydney booked for April. Nevertheless,  with a little TLC and a dose of good fortune, Arapaho will be back at the track in 2009.     

 

Thursday 3rd April

Last 2YO shares must go to make room for Yearlings

There are still a few shares remaining in Clanbrooke 2YO's now IN WORK and not too far away from making their race track debut. However, we WILL be closing 2YO Partnerships in April to make way for a number of Yearlings we have recently purchased.

1. 2YO Untouchable - Turbo Filly, in full work with trainer Pat Carey at Mornington. Shares are $5500 per 10% and approximately $275 per month per 10% share. As a sweetener, we are offering our last couple of shares for sale or  LEASE (name in book). Ingoing cost for a lease share is $1000 and monthly fees are the same as above.

2. Our 2YO Johannesburg - Only Wood Filly, has had a short prep. with trainer Tony Vasil and will return to work in 2 weeks. We expect her to go through to the races next time in. We have just decided to offer the last 2 shares in 5% lots, if required, with name in book. 5% shares cost $5000 and 10% shares $8950.

We will be starting to list some new Yearlings on both the Shares for Sale and Lease a Horse page in the coming days. The first has gone up today - a Grey Filly by INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, the second foal for dam GREY DOLPHIN (Granddam is the G1 winner and Caulfield Cup 3rd placegetter DECK THE HALLS ). There are only 2 shares remaining at $6000 per 10% share, all-inclusive until 31st July, 2008. INVINCIBLE SPIRIT did not return to the Southern hemisphere in 2007 and it is doubtful that he will return to Australian shores. There will be few opportunities to purchase shares in progeny of such a promising International Sire.

 

Sunday 30th March

Arapaho Miss Kicks off Sydney Campaign

Our champion filly Arapaho Miss arrived in Sydney last week for her pending assault on the AJC Oaks (April 30). Although we expect to see Arapaho Miss at her peak in the Oaks, she is sure to be tested in lead-up races. Having her first clockwise outing on 29/3 in the Randwick Guineas, Arapaho Miss was the lone filly in the race, competing against some of the best horses in Australia in Weekend Hussler, Marching, Triple Honour and Largo Lad. Whilst it was a lacklustre performance, she will only improve as she approaches her pet distance (2400m) and is back in familiar territory against her own sex.



Saturday 29th March

Laundering in a Photo Finish

Laundering completed a succession of seconds at Bendigo today. Heralded as the winner on Sport 927, Laundering would have to settle for second for the second time this preparation in a photo finish with Golden Charmer, ultimately going down by a nose. However, connections have plenty to be pleased about as Shane reports that Laundering still has a great deal of unproven potential.
 

Saturday 29th March

Bromson Unlucky at Winning Post

The pace was slow in Bromson's race at Bendio today and, against Shane's liking he hit the front early, leading the field for the majority of the race. He kicked home well in the straight, however opponent Merlot got the better of him at the very end, pipping him at the winning post and eluding Bromson of his maiden win. Stay tuned to the website to find out Bromson's future plans.
 

Thursday 27th March

Arapaho Miss Mixes with the best at Randwick

Arapaho Miss will come up against the best horses in Australia over the weekend as she prepares for her assault on the AJC Oaks on April 30th, 2008. She will come up against the likes of  Weekend Hussler, Marching and Largo Lad over 1600m at Randwick tomorrow. Currently screaming out for more distance, Arapaho will shock all if she places, however it will be a valuable experience for her, the only filly in the race. She will carry the bottom weight and look for her to be finishing hard. Corey Brown will take the ride as the connections flock to Sydney to see their champion filly run. However, punters would be advised to save their bet until she gets over more distance in both the Arrowfield S. [G1] at Rosehill 12/4 and then the AJC Oaks [G1] 30/4.
 

Tuesday 18th March

Arapaho Miss off to Sydney for Oaks and maybe Derby

Courtesy of Radio Sport 927

VRC Oaks winner Arapaho Miss leaves for Sydney tonight ready to take on some of the best fillies in the country but she might even tackle the boys in the Derby.

Mornington trainer Pat Carey said Arapaho Miss was in great shape for her trip. The filly had her third EI vaccination on Tuesday afternoon and there's been no problem at all according to Carey.

Following two very good runs in the Melbourne Festival of Racing, Arapaho Miss will run in the group one Randwick Guineas on Saturday week over 1600 metres before going to the Arrowfield and AJC Australian Oaks.

Carey said if the filly is performing well at that stage, she could run in the AJC Australian Derby. Carey also said yesterday's Sandown winner, Mufasa is also expected to go to Sydney for the carnival.

 



Arapaho Miss winning the 2007 VRC Crown Oaks
 

Tuesday 18th March

Doubly Sure Steps up at Sandown

courtesy of AAP

Promising stayer Doubly Sure is set to take the next step towards what connections hope will be a Caulfield and Melbourne Cups berth when he runs in Wednesday's Beaulivre Handicap at Sandown.

The O'Reilly four-year-old, prepared at Caulfield by Tony Vasil, broke through for his first metropolitan win in the Marvel Loch Hcp (1800m) at Sandown on March 5.

The entire, who has raced nine times for two wins, edged out Electronic Million in the 0-89 Hcp last start and that gelding went on to finish third to Saratime in the Baden-Baden Trophy (2000m) at Flemington last Saturday.

"He's screaming out for 2400 metres," Vasil said of Doubly Sure who steps up to 2100m for the first time on Wednesday.

"He's a nice young stayer and will be nominated for the Cups.

"He's taken a while, but he's coming along well now."

Damien Oliver, who rode Doubly Sure for the first time when he won last start, retains the mount on the horse who drew barrier five in the 14-horse field.

Doubly Sure, who is from the Centaine mare Pyjamas, is actually dropping in class to a 0-82 Hcp on Wednesday but rises 3.5kg on the weight he carried last time, to 57kg.

Vasil won the 2004 Caulfield Cup with Elvstroem while Lisa's Game was a 100-1 chance when runner-up to English stayer Taufan's Melody in the 1998 feature.

Zazzman and Elvstroem finished third and fourth respectively to Makybe Diva in the 2004 Melbourne Cup.

Meanwhile, Redoute's Choice filly Chamatry is one of a seven-filly field striving for their first win in Wednesday's Danelagh Plate (1400m).

A $1.6 million purchase at last year's Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney, Chamatry is owned by Shadwell Stud Australasia Syndicate and carries Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum's blue and white colours made famous in Australia by Melbourne Cup winners At Talaq and Jeune.

Chamatry is out of the Thunder Gulch mare Tambara as are Group One-placed stakeswinner Upstaged and Group Two-placed multiple city winner El Pauji.

She hasn't been disgraced in any of her three starts to date, running fourth to the unbeaten Augusta Proud, both over 1000m, at Moonee Valley at her debut on December 1 and when coming from last in the Listed Queen Adelaide Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on February 9.

At her latest outing she was disappointed for a run when fifth to stablemate Oval Affair in the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Flemington last Saturday week.

Craig Williams will ride Chamatry who drew the outside barrier for Wednesday's race.

The Lee Freedman stable will saddle up Dan Baroness who last start ran fourth to Carnero in the Inglis Premier (1200m) at Caulfield on March 1, and Marchelle Belle, a $650,000 Australian Easter Yearling Sale purchase who ran fifth to Red Flair at her only appearance over 1100m in a fillies maiden at Ballarat late last month.
 

Wednesday 5th March

Doubly Sure Grinds to Victory

After making a meal of his race, seeming to do everything wrong, badly placed and held up for a run the experienced Damien Oliver did not flinch having to move more than 7 wide in the home straight to get a clear run home. However the long Sandown straight suited Doubly Sure as he returned to form, taking every last inch of the straight ground down his rivals to come from last to win his 0-89 1800m race at Sandown today.
 

Thursday 6th March

Doubly Sure reassures owners

It has been a very long time between drinks for owners of promising stayer Doubly Sure (O'Reilly-Pyjamas). Almost a year since he broke his Maiden at Cranbourne last May, Doubly Sure did not race throughout the Spring. Instead, trainer Tony Vasil elected to give him an extended break in preparation for a big year of racing in 2008. 

Grinding home last start at Geelong to run fourth, it was clear that Doubly had needed the run and that he was crying out for more ground. Yesterday, over 1800m at Sandown with Damien Oliver in the saddle, he gave the leaders a handy lead, rounding the turn dead last in a field of 12. Peeling to the outside, he was required to round the entire field, again grinding back the lead to the very end. The straight seemed to last a lifetime for nervous owners. Indeed, if odds were to be given at the 100m, I'm sure they would have been healthy, for their appeared little chance that he would catch the leader.  However, he ground away to the last bob of the head to snatch victory on the line and once again indicate that more ground would certainly suit.

Congratulations to owners. Patience seems to be the only way with this horse.
 

Monday 3rd March

Street Cry Gelding shows promise

It was time for a step up in Class - or so trainer Brian Jenkins believed. Unproven at the distance (1800m) and certainly a newcomer to both Saturday city class and Group Level, Allanthus, a Street Cry (My Family Tree) Gelding purchased by Clanbrooke in conjunction with Kevin Dagg at the 2006 Adelaide Magic Millions Sale for $22K, had shown promise in his previous 7 starts. Already boasting a record of 2 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds, Allanthus certainly had the credentials both on breeding and performance to perform at Group level. And yet he exceeded all cautious expectations at Caulfield last Saturday.

Drawing barrier 8 of 14, he would have to get a sit. With Greg Childs in the saddle, he lurched forward, settling just behind the leaders, poised to go with them in the straight. In the end, they sprinted and, but for the fast finishing Brom Brom, flying down the outside, Allanthus ran a gallant race to finish 2nd. Not only did he dispel any doubt that he could run the distance, Allanthus also proved to owners that he is certainly better than average. Exciting times ahead, no doubt, for all involved.

In other stable news, Arapaho is set to contest the G2 Kewney Stakes this coming Saturday (8th) at Flemington. Although 1600m is not her ideal distance, she should give it a shake.  We look forward now to her Sydney campaign later this month.

Thanks also to everyone who attended Pat Carey's Open Morning last weekend. It was a great chance to have a look at the boutique stables that Pat and Cheryl run, as well as meet our new Untouchable - Turbo Filly (see Shares for Sale - 2 shares remaining)  and also our Fubu-La Quita Filly. And, of course, last but not least, it was great to see our Champion, the lovely lady Arapaho Miss.



Monday 18th February

Arapaho is back

Arapaho Miss is back, resuming at Moonee Valley on Saturday in the G2 Hollylodge Thoroughbreds Classic. And, it seems, she has returned fitter than ever. Rearing to go, she finished with her customary turn of foot to finish third, exceeding the expectations of owners and exhibiting signs that she will only get better over more ground. Pat, very pleased with the run, will take her to Flemington on March 8 for the G2 Kewney Stakes over 1600m.

Many Arapaho Miss members are also part-owners of 4YO Doubly Sure and, following the jubilation of Arapaho's splendid return to the track, made the trip down the highway to Geelong to witness Doubly Sure in his third outing this preparation. Contesting 1755m, a 300m jump in distance from his last outing, Doubly loped along, pegging back the lead until he hit his straps over the last 50m to finish a close 4th, only 0.8L behind the in-form Captanpauli. He also displayed signs that more ground will certainly suit and should be more than competitive at his next outing.



Tuesday 12th February

The last Clanbrooke 2YO's on offer as the Melbourne Sales loom

With the Melbourne Premier Sale now less than three weeks away, Clanbrooke has limited shares remaining in two x 2YO fillies who are about to embark on their first preparation.


The first, an UNTOUCHABLE filly, is about to arrive at trainer Pat Carey's stables in the coming month. Available for inspection at the Open morning we are holding at Pat's stables in Mornington on Saturday 23rd February, 8am, the filly is ready to commence work.

Freshman Sire UNTOUCHABLE scored his first winner at Ascot, Perth last week when 2YO colt The Pariah won over 1000m. Selling to $320,000 at last year's Sales, only 1 UNTOUCHABLE has been nominated for this year's Premier Sale. Primed to fulfill expectations at Stud, this Filly represents terrific value at $5,500 per 10% share.



 


The second 2YO Filly is by JOHANNESBURG. Now a second season Sire, JOHANNESBURG celebrated his first Australian Stakes Winner on Saturday when the Anthony Cummings trained colt Turffontein powered home to claim the Listed MRC Wellington Racing Club Stakes. Firmly entrenched within the top 10 Second Season Sires' List, JOHANNESBURG topped the First Season Sires List last year and his success looks set to continue.

Arriving at trainer Tony Vasil's stables this week, this striking chestnut filly is about to commence work. We currently have two shares remaining at a very reasonable $8,950 per 10%. See Clanbrooke's Shares for Sale page for further details.

 


Monday 11th February

Our horses win from Flemington to - where? Carrathool, that's where.

It was a weary owner who arrived just in time to witness his 4YO home-bred Fubu - Little Red Jug gelding finally make his debut on Saturday. Starting over 1000m at a place called `Carathool,' a town comprising 99 locals who play host to over 2,500 racegoers at the one meeting on the calendar each year, the dirt track was perhaps not an ideal introduction to racing, but certainly proved no obstacle as Apparel Prince sauntered to a 3L win.

Member Paul, who had driven over 6 hours from Melbourne's Eastern suburbs, was subsequently delighted to be presented with a trophy for his efforts. For Apparel Prince was retired last year and brought back into work by Jodie who felt that he certainly had the ability to be a racehorse, and was displaying no sign of a former injury that had caused the retirement in the first place. Her judgment seems to have been spot on again and Apparel Prince now looks every bit the racehorse. Members will be able to watch him run on the big screen at his next start when he goes to Albury (TAB).

Congratulations to all owners who have stuck with him since we offered shares in him as a Yearling. Bred by Clanbrooke and Bohron Park, Apparel Prince is one of two Fubu's that we have in our stable. The other, an as yet unnamed filly from La Quita, is set to arrive at trainer Pat Carey's stables in the next fortnight.

Click here to see more photos from the day.

Thursday 31st January

Stable News

With all hands now back on deck, Clanbrooke is looking ahead to another terrific year on the track.

In stable news, Arapaho trialled well this week and looks set to debut in two weeks at the Valley in the G2 Mooney Valley Fillies' Classic on February 16. All going well and pending the much anticipated lifting of EI restrictions, we should be travelling to Sydney in March to see her take it up to her NSW counterparts. Doubly Sure is also back and continues his campaign on Sunday at Kyneton. Apparel Prince, our 4YO Fubu-Little Red Jug Gelding, bred by Clanbrooke in conjunction with Jodie Bohr, is also set to make his long awaited debut next week at Carathoon (note: Carathoon is in the middle of the Riverina!). It has been a troubled road for Apparel Prince and it would be heartening to see him hit the track running.

On a winning note, Allanthus notched up the first stable win for the year at Geelong, January 17. With Michael Rodd on board and a ride to be admired, Allanthus strode to his second win from only 6 starts, boasting an impressive 6 starts for 2 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds. A Street Cry Gelding, he may find more glory over more distance and there are ecrtainly interesting times ahead for owners.

Whilst most of the stable is on the up, there was less than positive news for Members of our Street Cry Filly, Artina, who was found to have bone chips following her second run at Morphetville shortly before Christmas. This was particularly devastating given her terrific 2L first start win at Victoria Park where she displayed above average ability and buoyed the hopes of Members. Her prognosis for a return to racing is, however, excellent and we look forward to positive news in the second half of the year.

Monday 7th January

New Year, New Talent Coming to Town

It's been a big 2007 and it's only going to get bigger in '08. Coming soon in '08 will be Clanbrooke's annual owners trivia night. We will provide more details soon so start to prepare your teams.

In stable news, Scrubby Creek raced for the second time this prep. for his second placing yesterday, making it 8 placings from 13 starts. He ran third to the Hayes trained Letmeentertainyou after being trapped three wide and bolting home in the straight. Scrubby Creek's unlucky runs are starting to earn him a reputation as a bridesmaid but we are hoping the luck will come his way soon. His record now stands at 1-6-2 with 4 trial wins.

Schwarzer's convincing victory at Ballarat on Christmas Eve has earned him his first run in the city this Wednesday. Schwarzer will line up in the Lucrative Handicap over 1800m at Sandown, weighted at 55.5kg. It's race three on the card, a 0-82 race. There will be some classy opponents and one would expect that he will be back racing on a firm track with the heat that has been around. It will be a great experience for him and also for members, most of whom will be enjoying the short drive to the track.

 


Schwarzer (by Keeper) is named in honour of Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer

Our beloved filly Arapaho Miss is also back on the ground running as she prepares for her Autumn campaign. Whilst there is still a fair amount of uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Carnival in Sydney, Pat is fairly confident that as long as her preparation goes well and the EI restrictions are lifted in time, Arapaho Miss will be there against a full strength field at Randwick, proving that she is one of the best fillies in the land. Arapaho Miss fans can keep us bookmarked as we will be giving updates on her progress.

 

Tuesday 25th December

Merry Christmas from Clanbrooke Racing

Clanbrooke wishes all it's members, customers, staff, trainers and future clients a very merry Christmas and a safe holiday season.

Schwarzer members received an early Christmas gift after he romped home to win at Ballarat on Christmas Eve. He was short priced favourite in the market eventually being backed into $1.80. He claimed bet of the day in both metropolitan newspapers and was the Christmas special on Sport 927, fortunately he had no idea and ran a perfect race to the delight of his owners, fans and punters.


 

Sunday 16th December

Artina Streets the Field for Maiden Win

3YO Street Cry (Strictly Speaking) Filly Artina, trained by Mark Minervini (SA), left the field behind, albeit green, in her Maiden run - and win - at Victoria Park last Friday. Winning by 2L in a terrific first-up time of 56.52s., she certainly proved punters correct and also owners who have been extremely patient with a filly who has needed a little time to mature. Congratulations to all owners - there are certainly exciting times ahead.
 

 

Monday 26th November

Danrossa Makes it Two In a Row for Clanbrooke

Despite an ominous first start a month ago at Gawler where Danrossa (Testa Rossa - Danzomo) ran 12th, 12 lengths behind the winner, trainer Mark Minervini always felt that Danrossa's best would be evident once she ran over more distance. She certainly showed this at her third start at Strathalbyn where, jumping from 1400m to 2050m, she ran a terrific 2nd, albeit still very green, indicating that she was certainly nearing her ideal distance. And, just as Mark had indicated, she broke through at Claire on Sunday, winning easily by 3L.

Danrossa is a half sister to the Dubai Destination Filly we currently have advertised on our Shares for Sale page.



Wednesday 21st November

Allanthus shakes off maiden with a burst

Having his third start for the Partnership yesterday in the first in the card on Ballarat Cup Day in the Thomas Jewellers Maiden Plate, Clanbrooke's big red, Allanthus, (STREET CRY - My Family Tree) meaning `tree of heaven,' left opposition in his wake to win his Maiden by 2L. Allanthus was purchased by Clanbrooke at the 2006 Adelaide Yearling Sale for $22K, incidentally the same price we paid for our Oaks winner, Arapaho Miss. Could history repeat itself?

Congratulations to connections who have waited patiently, in the best interests of the horse, to see him in full flight at the track. We are confident this is the first of many highlights for Members.

Allanthus' Maiden win came on the Eve of the bi-annual Clanbrooke Racing - Riverend Park Open morning, featuring a parade of recently Syndicated horses as well as some new horses for lease and sale with shares available for purchase on the day. The morning begins at 9am and everyone is welcome to attend - just send us an email if you plan to attend so that we cater for everyone adequately. A BBQ breakfast will be provided following the parade.

Riverend Park is located at 128 Riverend Park, Bangholme. It resides just behind Springvale Road at the Frankston Freeway entrance. For further directions, please email us. More details will be posted as soon as we catch up with trainer and jockey.

4 - Allanthus 1.28.34
6 - Da Hussler
7 - Dehere O'dedog
1 - Doubleoseven

Jockey: Michael Rodd. 1400 meters, Heavy track.

.

Friday 9th November

It's Arap!

Congratulations to the lucky owners of Arapaho Miss who stormed down the straight, eating up her rivals for an amazing two length win in the Group One Crown Oaks at Flemington on Thursday. Arapaho Miss finished two lengths in front of Serious Speed and four lengths ahead of Marjorie (3rd).

Congratulations in particular to Pat Carey and everyone involved with Arapaho Miss at his Mornington stable. Everyone has done an amazing job with this filly and you've earned and deserve this victory. We are very proud to have you training for Clanbrooke.

Thanks also to Corey Brown who saw the potential in the horse and never doubted that she would win the race. Your confidence did not waver and you rode a fantastic race - well done.

A special mention must also go to Natalie Sheppard & Brendan Antone who broke in this filly and care for her when she is not in work. Their efforts are incredible and we know this victory was very special to them. Well done to a winning combination.

From the Jockey's mouth...
"Her run at Caulfield was super and I had no doubt that she would get the 2500 meters. They were banking up on the turn and I was concerned about getting a run, but I switched her back to the inside and she ran on too well. It was a good game win."

 

Pat & Cheryl Carey with Jockey Corey Brown

Corey Brown on Arapaho Miss after the race

Photo Links

Photos from Flemington - Arapaho Miss Members Celebrate

News Links
Arapaho Miss Win G1 Crown Oaks - Breeding & Racing 9/11
Arapaho Miss proves a hit for the `little guy' - The Age 9/11 - See Below
Bookie hit on Miss - Herald-Sun 9/11
Arapaho Miss wins Crown Oaks - Herald-Sun 9/11
Carey's Oaks pair set for Autumn - Racing & Sports 9/11
Carey Wins First Group One - Virtual Form Guide 9/11
Oaks Winner not to be Missed - The Australian 13/11
Guaranteed Winners All Spring - Inside Racing December 2007
Spring Carnival - Inside Racing December 2007
The Prize That Keeps on Giving - Inside Racing December 2007
 

 

Friday 9th November

Arapaho Miss proves a hit for the `little guy'


by Andrew Eddy
The Age
9th November 2007

It is no coincidence that the elite spring races are often won by the wealthy and powerful as racing thoroughbreds takes plenty of perseverance and, more specifically, plenty of money.

David Hayes trained Kibbutz to win the Victoria Derby for well established and credentialed racing syndicates and, on Tuesday, millionaire owner Lloyd Williams scored his third win in the Melbourne Cup. But the $1 million-plus races are not strictly the domain of the rich and famous.

Take yesterday's VRC Oaks won by Arapaho Miss. The public face of the connections are recognisable enough, headed by multiple group 1 winning jockey Corey Brown, who guided the Danehill Dancer filly masterfully, and Pat Carey, who skillfully prepared the filly to outstay and outclass her rivals. But not so her 17 owners, many of whom lucked their way into owning a share in the classic winner.

Dean Humphries, who owns 25 per cent of Arapaho Miss, has been diligently selecting, racing and sometimes breeding racehorses for 10 years under the name of Clanbrooke Racing. Humphries went out of his way to mention that Clanbrooke was a family operation and the name proved it. "It comes from the names of my wife Jan and daughters Clare and Brooke," he said proudly.

An accountant by trade, Humphries came into the racing game after a "sea change" brought about by a serious illness. He was forced to give up his position as a general manager of an accounting business, but decided to use his knowledge of figures and his love of sport and so leapt into the deep and dangerous pool of syndicating horses.

"We started like an acorn. If it worked, we would get bigger," Humphries said.

Like most racing ventures, his first purchase, a Jugah filly named Little Red Jug, ended before it began. She broke down as a young horse and never made it to the races.

Humphries specialises in bargain buys aimed at attracting racing's smaller investors. "We buy to a market that people can afford," he said.

He purchased Arapaho Miss out of the Melbourne sales for just $22,000, but had trouble selling all the shares. There was a 10 per cent share in the horse remaining when Humphries ran a trivia night in March for members.

On the urging of his daughters, Humphries raffled a 12-month lease on the 10 per cent share as a door prize. An unsuspecting Jan Richards, who went along to the night with friends, put in her $10 and won the raffle. She had never owned a racehorse, but that share yesterday returned her $51,000.

Then there is Colin Duffy from Ballarat. A racing fan for many years, his first foray into ownership saw him take a share in a horse called Testa Dream that Tony Vasil was training. But she died before she could make it to the track. Disappointed but not yet put off, Duffy took a 10 per cent share in another horse. It was Arapaho Miss.

"This is unbelievable," he said amid the screams of delight from the part-owners. "We've just won the Oaks."

Others involved in the ownership are: Humphries' wife Jan, Sue Best, Dario Dicarla, Peter Laspatzis as well as the two-member TNT Syndicate, the three-member Best Pope Syndicate and the Old Bca'ers — made up of three people who once ran a company named BCA.

Melbourne-based Humphries said he could not take the full credit for selecting Arapaho Miss. He has joined forces with bloodstock specialist Kevin Dagg to identify the horses he can afford to buy.

"I'm into pedigree and Kevin knows the horse. He has taught me so much about conformation and now we rely on one another," Humphries said.

From that small purchase 10 years ago, Humphries has 35 horses under his management and has as many as 50 on his books through breeding ventures and the like.

Yesterday's win was his biggest and Humphries is under no illusion whether more wins in such esteemed races will come. "We'll all enjoy this. There are so many disappointments in racing horses so you've got to enjoy it when it all comes off."

 

Monday 29th October

International Group One victories for 4 Clanbrooke Sires


Watching with interest last weekend we were excited to see GALILEO's son, NEW APPROACH win the Darley Dewhurst Stakes (G1) on October 20. Clanbrooke currently has both SALE and LEASE Shares available in Galileo progeny.

This weekend saw 3YO POSTPONED Filly, DORABELLA surge to victory in the First Sovereign Trust Captain Cook Stakes (G1), following on from her 2006 NZ One Thousand Guineas (G1) win. POSTPONED now boasts 20 winners from 38 starters from his first crop including 4 individual Stakes winners. Clanbrooke has one share remaining in a POSTPONED Colt, to be trained by Brian Jenkins.

Darley shuttler DUBAI DESTINATION also recorded his first G1 winner from his first crop when 2YO colt IBN KHALDUN won the Racing Post Trophy (G1) at Doncaster on Sunday. Clanbrooke has shares in an exceptional DUBAI DESTINATION Filly currently available, to be trained by Mark Minervini in Morphetville.

And, if three Group 1's weren't enough, O'REILLY, the Sire who can do now wrong, claimed the Group 1 Raffles Hotels and Resorts Cup in Singapore with son, LIM'S OBJECTIVE. Doubly Sure is just about to return to Caulfield under the watchful eye of trainer, Tony Vasil, and with any luck he will be striving to replicate MASTER O'REILLY's achievements throughout the 2008 Cup Carnival.

Thursday 25th October

A Chance Encounter

by Brooke Humphries

The Racing Industry is one marked above all else, by chance. Most horses, it is clear, fail to live up to owners’ expectations. A large percentage fail to race. It is an expensive passion for many yet one sensitive to so many variables it seems incongruous that such an industry should be looked upon as an investment. And yet, despite the lengths that some will go to in the quest for Group 1 glory, it seems others can’t avoid it.

Some months ago, seven to be precise, Clanbrooke Racing held a trivia night in aid of Oara, a charity arm of the Royal Childrens Hospital. Coincidently around the same time we were trying to close a Danehill Dancer Partnership but couldn’t sell the last share. Potential buyers often confound so-called `experts’ and as Danehill Dancer s’ Sales average rocketed to $167K, we were baffled at the profound lack of interest in the filly. Not only was she progeny of a Sire with little left to prove, but her female pedigree tied her to famous mare, POCAHONTAS, the filly’s fourth dam and the American Indian connection to the filly’s name.

Dean Humphries had inspected the Danehill Dancer Filly as a Yearling at the 2006 Premier Sale. Noting that although on the small side, she was “a great walker with obvious growth potential,” Dean’s early interest in the filly was supported by Clanbrooke’s Bloodsock Agent, Kevin Dagg. The Filly was purchased for a surprisingly low $22.5K and subsequently syndicated by Clanbrooke Racing.
With one share remaining in the 2YO Filly and a first start imminent, in utter bewilderment we decided to retain the 10% share and raffle it off in a lease arrangement for twelve months. It would be good for PR. Enter Jan Richards.

In a room full of hundreds of horse owners, trainers, breeders and punters, Jan Richards, happy to accompany her partner to the occasional horse racing event, accepted a $10 raffle ticket unselfishly bought for her from partner Peter. Suddenly Jan found herself in a paid-up, year-long 10% lease of Arapaho Miss, a filly now nominated for the Oaks and a chance at Group 1 glory.

Whilst Jan is yet to really see any spoils from this, she has parlayed a huge hand from a $10 ticket that hinges on just one more leg. On Caulfield Cup Day, connections of Arapaho Miss couldn’t be happier. Just beaten in the first on the card, she ran 2nd and proved that she will do more than make up numbers in the Crown Oaks.

And so the waiting game begins. Jan and fellow owners wait for final acceptances, wait to see if Arapaho Miss draws a barrier and, of course, wait to see her contest her first Group 1 at Flemington. Jan will be there willing Arapaho to victory. And, if she happens to win, Jan will no doubt be one of the most envied owners around. If nothing else, with only little racing knowledge and financial expense to the tune of $10, Jan has found herself a part-owner of an Oaks nominee. Win or lose, the ride has no doubt proved an unexpected thrill that few in this game ever experience.
 


23rd September, 2007

Vormista Comes to Melbourne for Mark



A tremendous win for 5YO Gelding, RUBISCENT yesterday in the G1 Underwood Stakes is certainly good news for owners of Clanbrooke's Sanctuary Red (Rubiton - Hideaway). Now a 4YO mare, we are looking forward to some on-track success, now that she has had some time to mature.

This week we are eagerly awaiting the inaugural nomination for our 3YO Testa Rossa Gelding, Mondena Magic, who won his trial last week. Brian has a high opinion of him and as we know, Brian always places his horses to advantage so good times are surely ahead for owners. Melbourne-based owners of Scrubby Creek are also looking forward to seeing him in the flesh at the Valley later this week. Mark has come so close to G1 glory in recent weeks with super sprinter VORMISTA, second in the G1 Manikato S. to Champion mare, GOLD EDITION.


17th September, 2007

Success at the Track



What a weekend for Clanbrooke owners - and trainers alike! Two winners, a second and a third...

Down at Geelong, Brian Jenkins-trained Acatabove had her 5th start for Members, saluting for the first time for an impressive 1-1-1 record to date. She looks just about ready to step up to city class. Also at Geelong, Jupiter Lass, a horse once thought too injury prone to make it to the track, notched up her first win for Members at only her 4th start for an equally impressive 1-1-1 record.

Clanbrooke's third runner for the day was Scrubby Creek at Morphetville who, for the fifth time in his short career, finished second. Despite this, Mark thinks he may be ready for a trip to Melbourne. Members certainly hope so.

It was also a great day for Brian Jenkins, notching three wins at Ballarat (Acatabove, Cool Heat and Fast Future). At the Valley, Mark Minervini came very close to Group 1 glory when Vormista was closely beaten by the ever-consistent Gold Edition.

Arapaho Miss raced yesterday at Ballarat for the first time following her unfortunate fall last start. Giving them an enormous lead coming into the straight, Arapaho finished very quickly, dashing to third place behind the Lee Freedman trained half-sister to Serenade Rose, Serenade Lily.
Overall, a very successful weekend and, with Gala Evening and Ask The Music resuming this week and our Street Cry Filly, Artina, having her first start, it is suddenly a very busy time for us.


30th August, 2007

 EI Update


Racing Victoria, following discussions with the Department of Primary Industries, announced yesterday that only 1 race meeting would be scheduled per day until further notice. Racing Victoria CEO Stephen Allanson said this had "been done to ensure the continuity of racing while at the same time enabled a prudent risk management policy to be adhered to."

On Saturday 1 September scheduled Moonee Valley and Benalla meetings have been abandoned, while the McEwen Stakes and William Crockett Stakes from the Moonee Valley program have been added to the Caulfield program. Acceptances for all races close at 9am on Thursday 30 August.

The new scheduled program is now:

 Saturday 1 September - Caulfield
Sunday 2 September - Cranbourne
Monday 3 September - Bendigo
Tuesday 4 September - Kyneton
Wednesday 5 September  - MRC @ Seymour
Thursday 6 September  - Ballarat

The Sunday meeting at Geelong and Cranbourne trials scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week are among the abandoned meetings. Jupiter Lass will therefore NOT run at Geelong and no horses will trial at Cranbourne as planned.

28th August, 2007

 Victoria Spared in EI Outbreak



With any luck and the continued absence of any sign of EI in this State, it appears that Racing will resume in Victoria on Saturday 1st September. Racing Victoria has rescheduled a number of race meetings that were abandoned as well as scheduling additional meetings in an attempt to cope with the backlog. Of course, contingency plans were put into place for some of our horses and many are now have dual nominations. A decision will be made closer to the day and posted on this website in the blue column to the right. Meeting dates and times are still being tweaked but we are attempting to update as soon as developments are announced.

Our counterparts in NSW appear not so lucky. Racing has been suspended indefinitely and it appears unlikely to resume until 8/9th September. As such, Little Bay Jug and Persian Prince will remain in lockdown until we are advised otherwise.

Overall, it has been a fairly tumultuous week that will hopefully be behind us by early next week.


 

26th August, 2007

 EI Strikes Australia


As news of the 72 hour racing ban sunk in yesterday, with further bans possible over the coming days, it was a time to ponder the likely implications for Clanbrooke stable horses. In addition to the suspension of all racing on mainland States, there is a directive in place preventing the movement of all horses. This may or may not be extended past the current 72 hours, with an announcement expected tomorrow (Monday).

If the ban is extended, the movement restriction will pose obvious training limitations for horses not currently in work, preventing transport to their respective training stables. For some other horses currently in work, however, despite being unable to compete on-course, their day to day training regime should continue unabated. This is true of horses trained in self-contained training complexes such as Riverend Park (Brian Jenkins) and Tarnpirr Farm (Cliff Brown, Narbethong). Most other larger stables such as Brian Cox's Wodonga complex, Cliff Brown's stales at Flemington, Tony Vasil's at Caulfield, Shane Fliedner's in Bendigo and Pat Carey at Mornington, can obviously utilise their own facilities such as walking machines and swimming pools to a greater extent in order to maintain aerobic fitness whilst the ban remains in force.

There is, on the other hand, concern for our mares. Whilst some may be forced to foal away from the stable in agistment paddocks, others may not be served this year should the ban continue. The wider ramifications for the Breeding Industry will be exacerbated every day that bans remain in place.

The Racing Industry as a whole is bracing for the worst and yet, given the potential ramifications for the Industry should Authorities fail to contain the outbreak, almost all Industry participants are in full support of the bans implemented to date. At this stage, Clanbrooke and trainers Australia wide will reassess on a day to day basis as developments unfold. Of course, the worst case scenario is a racing ban imposed for a number of weeks. Should this eventuate, individual horse schedules will obviously be revised.

An announcement is expected tomorrow (Monday) and, as far as we know, all scheduled race meetings in Victoria will proceed thereafter. We will keep all owners abreast of developments if this proves not to be the case.

 

1st August, 2007

 Happy Birthday Horses!


Look who's on the cover of the Victorian Racing Calendar - it's Dai Ichi in the Oaks alongside Izanami!



 


30th April, 2007

 Midnight Rambler just beaten first up.



Congratulations to Wayne Nichols (trainer of Clanbrooke's Midnight Rambler who ran a first up 2nd at Wodonga last Tuesday) on the third win of his unbeaten 2YO, Diplomatic Force, in the first on the card at Caulfield on Saturday. Congratulations also to Ricky Maund (trainer of Clanbrooke's Sanctuary Red), winning the last on the card with Amarazetti.

It was also a good day for Tony Vasil at Seymour, training two winners on the day (Elegance Warrior and Pink Pier), as well as Clanbrooke's very quick finishing Doubly Sure who ran a tremendous 3rd. Stepping up in distance next start, he may start to hit his stride.

The ever consistent Gala Evening, trained by Brian Cox at Wodonga, was once again placed second at Wodonga today, bringing her season to date statistics to: 10 starts for 3 wins, 3 seconds and one third as well as 2 fourths. This handy little filly never fails to stick her neck out and is always there in the finish. Credit must go to Brian who always knows where to place her.

Clanbrooke is also getting ready to launch our new product, `Classic Clanbrooke.' Stay tuned for the official launch.





23rd April 2007

 Goodbye Bob.



Clanbrooke Racing would like to pass on condolences to the Logan family on the untimely death of Bob Logan, founder of Logan Livestock Insurance. Bob owned and raced `Fine Way' with us and was a friend to everyone at Clanbrooke Racing. Our thoughts are with the Logan family at this difficult time.





22nd April 2007

 Acatabove, Arapaho Miss both have first starts.



What a great day at Cranbourne on Saturday. Two Clanbrooke stable horses in Acatabove as well as Arapaho Miss had their first starts on the day, Acatabove running second and Arapaho finishing strongly to be an unlucky fourth. All Members present on the day were impressed with the respective runs and we're sure there are some exciting times ahead.

Looking at the results of some of the recent Sales around the country, it is interesting to note that the dam of Arapaho Miss, Happy Heart, had a colt by Falbrav sell at the Melbourne Premier Sale for $110K. The dam of another Clanbrooke stable horse, National Star (dam of Scrubby Creek) had a Johannesburg Colt sell for a huge $150K.



 

16th April 2007

 Settling in for Winter


 
 As the cooler months approach things are starting to hot up for Clanbrooke's band of 2YO's about to hit the tracks for the first time. In a twist of fate, our Danehill Dancer filly, recently named `Arapaho Miss' (trained by Pat Carey) and our Catbird filly, `Acatabove' (trained by Brian Jenkins) are both set to launch their careers in the same race at Cranbourne on Saturday 21st April. The Arapaho Miss Partnership was only recently closed following the Clanbrooke Trivia night on 31st March where the last share in the filly was raffled and it has given a first time owner the chance to experience the thrill of watching her horse race - only three weeks after joining the Partnership.
 
 Three other Clanbrooke stable horses are also set to debut in the coming weeks. Jupiter Lass, a 3YO filly trained by Trent Pennuto, plagued by niggling injuries over the past twelve months, is finally set to start on ANZAC day. Shane Fliedner's two horses, Bromson, a De Lao Brom gelding, as well as an as yet unnamed gelding by Dash for Cash (now named Laundering), are also ready to launch their careers in May. It was a thrill last week to see our 3YO O'Reilly Colt, Doubly Sure, get to the track in one piece after his recent altercation with a concrete wall. Starting over 1400m, he made up much ground over the last 400m to finish midfield, showing that he will definitely hit his stride as the distances increase.
 
 In other news, Clanbrooke is about to launch a new concept that we call `Classic Clanbrooke.' Focused entirely on grooming the elusive staying-type horses in order to capitalise on the current lack of Australian-trained Classic Stakes winners, Classic Clanbrooke is its own brand and the horses chosen for this project must adhere to strict breeding rules that we have set. An exciting concept, check the website in the coming weeks for more details.
 
 We will also be emailing Clanbrooke Members details on the `Clanbrooke Community' section that will be finalised shortly. It will provide an opportunity for Clanbrooke business owners (and others, where appropriate) to advertise their business on the Clanbrooke website and attract new business from within the Clanbrooke community itself. More details will be forwarded shortly.
 
 Thanks to everyone who attended our inaugural `trivia night' on the 31st March, hosted by Neil `Lofty' Longden. It was indeed an experience from which we learnt a lot and although we will institute some changes for next year, we hope to develop the concept to enable Clanbrooke Members from all Partnerships to meet and enjoy social occasions that are quite removed from the racecourse (although, of course, with a racing twist). We raised funds for the charity `OARA,' (a subsidiary charity of the Royal Children's Hospital) on the night. Thanks to everyone who came along, participated and donated to the charity on the evening.



14th March 2007

 Danehill Dancer Named - Arapaho Miss


 
We have names; Our Danehill Dancer-Happy Heart Filly is called `Arapaho Miss,' taking its theme from fourth dam, Pocahontas. Our Testa Rossa-Sedbury Colt is now `Mondena Magic,' taking his name from the testing track at which Ferarri once tested it's `testa rossa' car.
 
 Thanks to all Members who submitted names.


 
 

14th March 2007

 Street Cry Colt Named


 
 Following the vote at our naming dinner late last year, our Street Cry / My Family Tree colt has been officially named - Allanthus. He is expected to come to Melbourne next month to join the Brian Jenkins stable.
 
 Another Clanbrooke Racing - Brian Jenkins stable horse was also named recently. Our Galileo-Pareja Colt is now better known as Astronomo.
 
 We eagerly await confirmation of name for both our Testa Rossa-Sedbury and Danehill Dancer-Happy Heart Filly.



22nd January 2007

 Scrubby Creek Goes for Spell


Although the office has been bare of late, there have been quite a few Clanbrooke stable horses running in various parts of the country. Scrubby Creek, a first start winner at Victoria Park, had his second start at the same track and although shinsore, he finished fifth in a time of 55.90. He is now in the paddock having a break and Clanbrooke will shortly offer shares in this magnificent colt. Ask the Music kicked off her preparation with three wins from three starts before succumbing to tiredness at Caulfield on 13/01/07. She will likely have a short break before resuming. Gala Evening also enjoyed the second win this preparation at Echuca before the heat got to her at her next start on a 40 degree day at Benalla. We are looking forward to Schwarzer's first start at Ballarat as well as Doubly Sure's first trial next Monday. We also have a number of upcoming Syndications including a Galileo Colt to be trained by Tony Vasil as well as a King's Best colt. We will also be unveiling an exciting new concept with its own unique identity which will form an integral component of Clanbrooke's evolution. More information on the website in the coming month.



15th December 2006

 Scrubby Creek Wins Maiden at Victoria Park



It's been a great week for Clanbrooke with two city winners - Ask the Music at Caulfield and Scrubby Creek (a first starter) at Victoria Park. Whilst there are no shares available in Ask the Music, we do have her half brother (by Umatilla) advertised on our Shares for Sale page while we wait for our `Horses for Sale' page to be added. For sale as a whole horse, given the success of Ask the Music (5 wins from 9 starts) and that of her half brother Drumbeater, this colt shouldn't be available for long. Have a look at his pedigree in the `Horses for Sale' section here.



28th November 2006

 Wodonga Cup Day 2006



Thanks to all Clanbrooke owners who attended our marquee on Wodonga Cup Day. We hope you enjoyed the day. Gala Evening Members should certainly remember the day as it was the filly's first win for the Partnership. Similarly, Ask the Music proved that she can run anti-clockwise in her first venture in Victoria, winning the last race of the day. Spin and Miss also ran second on the day whilst Close Encounter run out of steam at the top of the straight, perhaps signalling that the 6YO's career may be trailing off as well. We at Clanbrooke certainly had a memorable day and we hope you did as well.

 

 

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