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Because basically she had crossed the picket line so to speak and assumed the role of Scab!
On another point why does she ensure the publication of her e-mail to Johnston? And why does she keep playing the sympathy vote of "I work tirelessly for Brain Tumour UK?" Of course I am sympathetic for her loss but that is not the issue here and I gather she is rather prone to playing it to potential owners.
I think many people on this thread have misinterpreted the reason behind this boycott.
By making a point in a poorly paid race, the trainers are trying to kick start the racecourses especially those run by Northern Racing to increase prize money. It is so not a case of bully boy tactics it is to make a point and get them to wake up and take notice. Haggas etc did not object to Mrs Dunnett declaring her horse in a separate race and she should have spoken to her owners and explained the situation in full. This was the boycott of ONE race not an entire meeting and it was not planned at the last minute on Newmarket Heath.
Lower level prize money levels have dropped dramatically since I first had a horse in training. 10 years ago I remember running horses at the llowest level for £3k – now it is less than £2k. And costs have gone up. It is all very well saying trainers should lower their fees. I totally disagree – costs to trainers are substantial – everyone is constantly crying what a bad deal stable staff get yst many of the top trainers pay upwards of £16k plus accomodation. Add on pensions, insurance, RIABS scheme etc not to mention fees charged by Weatherbys, owners paying late, feed & fuel prices going through the roof, astronomic vets fees and you will fine a great many trainers struggling.
There are a number of trainers employing way below the number of staff tehy should to cope – one prolific trainer has 60 horses & 3 staff riding out! They use the horse walker to cope. A great many are undercutting fees to get owners, Mrs Dunnett being a prime example.
As far as I am concerned she should have done what the trainers requested on this occasion as in the long term it is there to benefit her owners.
Decided against running at Chester due to ground being currently good to soft. She is entered up for Yarmouth on Sunday – obviously it was abandoned yesterday but as its on the coast can dry quite quickly so we will see over the next couple of days. Very frustrating as I have a fit, bouncy lady on my hands. I can see with the current weather though it will be back to Wolverhampton sooner rather than later – still at least we know she enjoys it there. Will keep you posted as to what is happening.
Strange to see it run over 1m2f given the breeding – Cadeaux Genereux ex Green Desert mare and Taj doesn’t seem to stay an inch over 5f herself.
I may be completely wrong but is he the son of C J Hill aka the butcher of Barnstaple? Bought a mare off him a few years ago and she was in a desperate state.
Just to say Tajj has settled in really well in her new base. I have taken over the reins from Phil McEntee since he is now suspended from having a trainers licence for the next year. The yard is based just outside Newmarket in a lovely setting with its own private gallop as well as only being a couple of miles down the road so we can use the Newmarket facilites as well. Half the yard is licenced for racing stables and the other half is set up as a stud farm. The residential stallion is Tumbleweed Ridge who I am most taken with. He has the most fantatic temperament I have ever seen in a mature stallion – totally chilled out. The former hurdler, Silver Wedge also lives there as a retiree – he too looks well and happy and it was really nice to hear of his whereabouts. Hopefully when we have a stable visit, the "official Forum photographer" will be present and able to post pics up of these two.
Just to let you all know I withdrew Taj as she arrived at the races in a distressed state when she got off the horsebox. I had the vet check her over and her heart rate was very high as was her respiration and she was sweating profusely. We monitered her the whole time and half an hour before the race as neither the vet or I were happy we took the mutual decision to withdraw her. SO she was officially withdrawn under a vets certificate. Any reason for the distressed state I cannot explain as she has never arrived like that before but my horses welfare ALWAYS comes first.
Mia’s Boy now officially declared in the RP today as found to have been lame post race and PCH backs Adrian.
Taj has pulled muscles just behind her saddle most probably when she jumped awkwardly from the stalls. She was fine just after the race but soon became quite distressed and had to have a large wack of painkillers from the racecourse vet. However apart from being a little sore around that area she is in good spirits this morning and after a few days rest should be fine.
Have just declared Taj for Newcastle on Tuesday – a 5f 0-65 fillies & mares Hcp. Have put on Michael Stainton as he is based up there and takes a handy 5lbs off too.
I haven’t seen this race but I have used Adie on my horses a few times and have no problem with him. He isn’t the strongest in the world but then is is only about 7st 9 wet through. However he has done what he has been asked to on all occasions. I have never heard him described as bent and I could tell you 59 other jockeys who you would have way in front of him. As second rider to CH, I would be suprised if he had blatantly stopped one in such a way, however the rumour mill up at the racecourse today reckon he has lost the job there with CH.
If the race was dodgy then I am genuinely disappointed in Adie (apart from the fact that he has ridden Taj and she could be running during his ban). If the horse felt wrong under him, then I would hope his employer would give him the benefit of the doubt. Possibly had this happened last June 3rd then we may not have lost Horatio Nelson in such horrific fashion.
Contemplated a race next Friday at Nottingham but its for apprentices who haven’t ridden 50 winners and I think Michael Stainton is the only one I’d contemplate using but getting him is never easy (Whitakers can be a bit tricky letting him go!) so we will give it a miss – there are plenty more races and I prefer to aim at one race rather than rack up a load of entry fees which is not fair on the owners.
Horse was a little fresh after having been off a while and managed to wrestle his handler(me!) to the floor whilst Darryl was being legged up. Consequently I felt that maybe Darryl pre-judged the horse and didn’t give him maximum assistance when leaving the stalls. Admittedly I think that 6 round Wolves is probably a bit too "jump and run" by 5f horses but the horse is well capable with some strong driving early. Still he came back fine with no cuts or scrapes so we’l just have to resume the Adam/Teddy partnership again!
So many favourites there but it has to be the beautiful Bosra Sham. I was lucky enough to be at the yearling sales when she went through for £500k (I think) – when she walked in there was a hush as she had the most incredible prescence even then – had her feet been better I think she would have gone for several times that amount. All credit to Cecil for being able to train her – I know she suffered from them badly at stud as well.
Just to let you know I have not declared her for Nottingham as after speaking to the groundsman, I felt the ground was just going to be way too firm and I don’t want to run the risk of jarring her up early on. <br>Nottingham always rides a bit on the quick side so as we thought she picked up her injury when she ran at Warwick on firm ground, it was in her interests to wait for another day.
Next possibilities are Warwick on the 12th or Newcastle on the 15th.
I have entered Tajjree for a 5f race at Nottingham on Wednesday so all being well thats where we will head.
As a bankrupt, Semple would indeed lose his licence as in the case with Phil McEntee recently.  However should an owner of his be prepared to employ him and take over responsibility for all costs, then I believe after satisfying the Licensing Committee at the HRA, he would be able to resume training.
I think I am right in saying that Giles Bravery was also declared bankrupt but allowed to train as an employee.
(Edited by jinnyj at 6:02 pm on April 8, 2007)
