Here we take a trip down memory lane with short biographies and photos of some of the well known horses to race for the yard. Over our long training career some of our horses have taken on the role of flagbearers for the yard and here we keep their memories alive.

Of course we have included our Champion Sprinter Lochnager, our 1000 Guineas winner Mrs McArdy, and our twice Grand National placed Mr Snugfit. Also included from the more recent past are multiple winners Hasta La Vista, Blessingindisguise and Sporting Gesture, each of which ran over a century of times for the yard. Please contact us if you have any nominations for our Hall of Fame.

Great Rock bay gelding Foaled: 1953 by Black Rock Wins: 1 Great Rock was one of the first horses to join my stable upon gaining a licence. He was owned by Mrs Straker and he would move between a number of yards in his career. Great Rock made his debut for Ayr trainer Gerry Laurence in June 1955 at his local track, next to which Laurence's stables were situated. His trainer had thought him a poor horse and Mrs Straker had bought the cast-off who had a string of runners-up spots to his name. Mrs Straker sent Great Rock to Bill Dutton, who trained at Grove Cottage in Malton, and as a three year old he won a number of races, improving as he went further. Great Rock's finest hour came at Newcastle in 1957 when he won an eventful renewal of the two mile Northumberland Plate. Seventeen runners went to post on 29th June 1957, the drama unfolding at the first bend when seven horses fell in a horrific pile up at the first bend. The fallers were in the middle of the field and brought down the trailing horses but unbelievably only one jockey was injured with concussion and a broken leg, whilst all of the horses lived to see another day. Great Rock won the race at odds of 10/1. The following season Great Rock won the Manchester Cup ridden by Bill Elsey's apprentice, Don Morris, to collect a first prize of £2,000. Bill Dutton died in 1958 and the horse was sent to Harry Whiteman, who trained Great Rock to win the Edinburgh Spring Handicap in April 1960. In 1961 I would become the fourth trainer of Great Rock, now eight years of age. He was a good horse to have in the yard for a trainer in his first season. On 17th April 1961 Great Rock won the Edinburgh Spring Handicap for the second successive season to become my first winner from just my third runner. He defeated Abbotsbury Abbot, trained by Walter Easterby, with the third horse being six lengths back. Great Rock would leave Sheriff Hutton in 1963, to join George Robinson's yard near Berwick-upon-Tweed and he won his share of hurdle races in Scotland and the north of England. Great Rock will always be remembered as the horse who started off almost six decades of training horses.

Steal A March brown colt Foaled: 1957 by Rock Star out of Spring Queen Races: 52 Wins: 8 Steal A March was an eight times winner. He was the first horse to run 50 races for the yard, his biggest win coming in the Edinburgh Spring Handicap in 1963. Steal A March came to the yard in 1961 from my brother Peter, and he won his fair share of races!

Grey Steel bay colt Foaled: 1963 by Como out of Judaroma Races: 35 Wins: 8 Eight times winning grey colt, he came to the yard at the end of 1966 from trainer Denys Smith.

Mighty Faustus bay colt Foaled: 1963 by Tamerlane out of Babushka Races: 21 Wins: 3 Mighty Faustus won on his debut at Haydock in 1965 and followed by under Scobie Breasley at York. He was my first York winner. He also won at Hamilton as a three year old. Winless in his 4 year old season he was sold at the end of 1967 to go hurdling.

Boismoss Cesarewitch winner, Newmarket 1967 bay horse Foaled: 1964 by Mossborough out of Branches Park Races: 19 Wins: 4 Boismoss made his debut in the Wilton Stakes at Catterick in July 1966. His first victory came at Doncaster in the Ayton Stakes in 1967 and he also won twice at Ripon in the summer of his three year old season. Boismoss became my second runner in a classic when he ran in the 1967 St Leger, but his finest hour was on 7th October 1967 when he won the Cesarewitch ridden by Ernie Johnson. Sent off at 13-1, he saw out the marathon 2m 2f trip to win the race at the age of three. Boismoss would not win again on the flat and at the end of 1968 he left the yard to go hurdling with Arthur Stephenson.

Pal's Passage grey colt Foaled: 1964 by Palestine out of Judy's Passage Races: 44 Wins: 7 A seven times winner, Pal's Passage won the 1967 Gosforth Park Cup and the 1969 Great St Wilfrid's Handicap. He was also the yard's first ever Classic runner when he ran in the 1967 2000 Guineas.

Goldwyn Seaton Delaval Stakes winner, Newcastle 1969 bay mare Foaled: 1967 by Goldhill out of Gay Treasy Races: 14 Wins: 7 Goldwyn was a lovely bay filly with a prominent white streak on her face. She was sired by Goldhill, who had been trained by Peter Easterby and stood at Easthorpe Stud. She was picked up for a mere 1500 gns at Doncaster Sales, and sold on to owner Billy Wilson, a former captain of Bridlington Golf Club. A filly with a 'quiet, placid nature', Goldwyn ran eight times as a two year old. She ran first time out at Ripon with Jock Skilling in the saddle and then recorded her first win at Catterick ridden by Jock. She put a big field to the sword and landed a huge gamble, being backed from 10-1 into 6-4. Goldwyn secured further wins at York, Thirsk, Lanark, Hamilton and Edinburgh and in August made the bid for seven in a row. She headed to Newcastle with six wins in the bag for the season to take on some of the best two-year olds in the north in the Seaton Delaval Stakes. She'd hardly come off the bridle in her previous victories and I was confident. Goldwyn didn't let me down as she dug deep to beat Denys Smith's colt Quayside, who was hiself bidding for five in a row, by a short head. Billy and I had made a plan to run Goldwyn in the Nunthorpe at York where she’d carry a featherweight seven stone with the two-year old and fillies' allowances but the girl went lame. She'd always had leg problems and would stand for half an hour after her morning canter with a cold hose on her knees. I was sure she'd have won the Nunthorpe had she been right, and the form pointed that way as Quayside, the horse she’d beaten at Newcastle, was beaten on the Knavesmire a short head in the 1969 renewal by Lester Piggott on Tower Walk. Goldwyn finished the season with form figures of 01111111, seven wins from eight starts, and Billy threw a big party at his Bridlington restaurant for the staff to thank them for the remarkable season. Goldwyn went on to have a successful career as a broodmare. Her daughter Gold Cheb was second six times in a row as a two year old!

Golden Mallard brown horse Foaled: 1968 by Goldhill out of March Poulet Races: 35 Wins: 7 Multiple winner who went on to stand as a stallion. Golden Mallard came from Jack Calvert at the end of 1971 and won seven races in 35 starts for the yard.

Red Rodney chestnut gelding Foaled: 1968 by Matador out of Lucy Locket Races: 48 Wins: 9 A giant chestnut colt by Matador, Red Rodney made his debut in the Fountains Plate at Ripon in April 1970. He didn't trouble the judge as a juvenile but would make amends in his later career. Red Rodney's first win came in the Lambton Stakes at Teesside Park in 1971, defeating Slip Lead by a length, ridden by Lionel Brown. He also won at Hamilton and then took the York Apprentice Handicap on his local course. At four he was a winner at Newcastle and Ripon before taking his biggest prize, the Bass Rosebowl at Redcar. The following season he tried to win the Rosebowl again but was disqualified for his efforts! In 1973 he won the 'Perkins Memorial Cup Handicap Stakes' at Newcastle, ridden by Willie Carson, where he defeated Flintham by a length and a half. The following season Red Rodney recorded wins at Redcar and Ayr, his victory in Scotland being the last time the chestnut would grace the winners' enclosure. Red Rodney ran his final race at Carlisle in 1975, finishing unplaced. Brian Bivens who looked after him and rode him as an apprentice remembers the horse well. "Red Rodney never won a race unless he was sweating and shaking in his box at the races. We always knew he was spot on when he was like that. He was right character. I loved him. He used to eat the light bulbs in his box."

Sheriff Hutton bay gelding Foaled: 1968 by Queen's Hussar out of Changra Races: 23 Wins: 4 A multiple winner, Sheriff Hutton made his debut at Redcar in April 1970 and went on to win at Lanark, Beverley, Edinburgh and Haydock Park.

Windstorm bay filly Foaled: 1968 by Whistling Wind out of Nonstopnell Races: 12 Wins: 3 Windstorm won on her debut in 1970 at Newcastle, ridden by Lester Piggott. As a juvenile she also won the Robert B Massey Trophy at Beverley and the Chesters Stakes at Newcastle. Her three year old career did not live up to her juvenile performances and she was retired in September 1971 after running in the Ayr Gold Cup.

Dutch Gold bay mare Foaled: 1969 by Goldhill out of My Old Dutch Races: 35 Wins: 12 A twelve times winning filly, Dutch Gold was home-bred out of the mare My Old Dutch. She made her debut at Redcar on 24th April 1971. Dutch Gold was a very fast sprinter and in 1973 she broke the six furlong track record at Goodwood in the Globtik Cup ridden by George Duffield. She went on to be a hugely successful broodmare breeding many winners.

Workboy Multiple winning sprinter and successful stallion brown horse Foaled: 1969 by Firestreak out of Silver Sand Races: 18 Wins: 6 Workboy was a magnificent looking brown horse he was bred by Mrs K E Cooke, by the stallion Firestreak out of Singing Sand. He made his debut at Ripon on 21st April 1971 ridden by Jock Skilling, where he was unplaced but next time out he won the North Cave Auction Plate at Beverley Westwood on 7th May 1971. As a two year old Workboy won four times in succession, including the Robert Massey Group 2yo Trophy on 10th June at Beverley and the Chester Stakes on 26th June 1971. As a three year old Workboy won the Zetland Handicap at Doncaster (29th May 1972). His final career win came in the five furlong Cherkley Sprint at Epsom on 9th June 1973 ridden by Lester Piggott. After his impressive romp at Epsom Workboy stepped into Group company and took on the very best sprinters. He went on to earn black type by being placed in four Group races, including the Group 3 King George Stakes at Goodwood, the Palace House Stakes, the National Stakes and the Group 1 Kings Stand Stakes. Workboy was retired at the end of 1973, having won six times with career earnings totalling £13,387. He went on to stand as a stallion at Easthorpe Hall Stud, Malton and also Ham House Stud and then Norton Grove Stud, siring many winners both on the flat, over jumps and also point to pointers. His stud book entry described him as a "racehorse of phenomenal speed and courage". Workboy had a successful stud career, and offspring included winners Davenport Boy, Working Girl, Happy Worker, Dutch Girl, Tarleton, Paper Shoes, Tidy Work, Ski Run, Bickerstaff and Beckingham Ben. Royal Craftsman, Spritebrand, Trickshot, Contact Kelvin, Grange Hill Girl and Peacework were winners over jumps.

Burwell bay colt Foaled: 1971 by Shooting Chant out of Red Sails Races: 26 Wins: 5 A multiple winner, Burwell made his debut in April 1973 in the Grewelthorpe Plate at Ripon. He won the Champion 2 Year Old Trophy at Ripon in September 1973. He also won at Newcastle and Haydock, and at Teesside in November 1974 he was one of the legs of an Eddie Hide treble. In May 1975 Burwell finished second and Dutch Gold third at Newmarket, Lester Piggott riding Burwell in the race.

Polly Peachum Palace House Stakes winner, Newmarket 1976 bay mare Foaled: 1971 by Singing Strand out of Bolton Girl Races: 29 Wins: 8 Polly Peachum was a big favourite with everyone in the yard. She had been a cheap buy at just 480 gns and was owned by Mrs Henson. Polly was a kind, sweet lovely filly and a very speedy sort, but she was often overshadowed by Lochnager in his final season. In 1975 she was placed in the Nunthorpe stakes at York, and in 1976 she won the Group 3 Palace House Stakes. Later in 1976 she took the best on in the Prix de Saint Georges at Longchamp and was only beaten the shortest of heads. Later the same month at Chantilly she was placed in the Prix du Gros Chene. In July 1976 she was placed in the King George Stakes and then finished third to Lochnager in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August. Polly Peachum retired in 1976 having won eight races. She was actually covered by her rival Lochnager in 1978, producing the filly foal Milly Monroe. One of her best offspring was Able Albert who was unbeaten in four juvenile starts and also won the City Of York Stakes in 1983. He was trained by Peter Easterby. Winners Harry Hull and Strawberry Pink and ten times jumps winner MacArthur were further successful offspring from this great mare.

Wheatclose bay gelding Foaled: 1971 by Highland Melody out of Lucky Maid Races: 19 Wins: 8 Wheatclose's career began with four unplaced runs before he was given a breathing operation. However, the operation had been meant for another horse in the yard, but after a mix up the career of this three year old gelding was transformed. In 1974/5 Wheatclose reeled off five flat wins in a row. He launched the career of apprentice Tommy Walsh who rode him on four of the wins. wheatclose also ran in the 1975 Triumph Hurdle. He won his first two starts over hurdles and in February 1975 finished second to Night Nurse at Wetherby. His final two career wins came in the space of two days. He won at Ayr and then on the way home stopped off at Hamilton to win again. He was entered for the 1976 Lincoln but missed the cut, running instead in the Crown Plus Two Apprentice Championship where he was unplaced. Wheatclose left the yard in 1976.

Dutch May bay mare Foaled: 1972 by Maystreak out of My Old Dutch Races: 29 Wins: 7 Dutch May was a seven-times winning sprinter and a half-sister to Dutch Gold. She won as a juvenile at Teesside and as a three-year-old she won six races with four victories at Ripon and also at Ayr and Haydock. Dutch May was retired to the paddocks and became the dam of multiple winner Lucky Dutch.

Fretta bay filly Foaled: 1972 by Goldhill out of Phydorine Races: 6 Wins: 3 A speedy juvenile, Fretta won the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley in 1974.

Lazenby bay colt Foaled: 1972 by Bleep Bleep out of Ardent Worker Races: 27 Wins: 9 Lazenby was a true yard legend. He made his debut at Newcastle in 1974. His first win was the 'Prestonpans Nursery Handicap' at Edinburgh which he took by four lengths. Lazenby recorded six wins at three years old including the 'Chesterfield Handicap' at York. His biggest win was the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle in 1976 under Eddie Hide at odds of 11/10. His final career win was at Beverley in the 'Raffingora Sprint Sweepstakes' in September 1976 where he was the 4/9 favourite. Lazenby won nine races from 28 starts.

Lochnager Champion Sprinter 1976 bay gelding Foaled: 1972 by Dumbarnie out of Miss Barbara Races: 16 Wins: 9 "Lochnager was such a good 'oss and so strongly fancied, I don't think I've ever been so nervous before a race. I couldn't stop sweatin', just thinking about it. The one thing I told, over and over again, was not to come too soon. Lochnager was an 'oss with all the gears. What made him so brilliant was that he was so switched off - he'd pick grass on't side of a gallop at home while others galloped past him. But when you asked him to pick up in a race, he was like a Ferrari in overdrive, he had an unbelievable burst of speed. I couldn't watch t'race from the stands. I ended up watching it from t'weighing room ... I've never had an 'oss like him and never seen a better sprinter. He was a machine." - Mick Easterby Lochnager was a brown horse by Dumbarnie who was bought for a modest sum by Charles Spence. He was bred by E A Dandy, Lochnager's dam Miss Barbara not coming from a particularly distinguished family but having won six races. He was sent to us to be trained primarily as a jumps horse due to his immense size and strength. He ran as a two year old over the minimum trip recording his first win in August 1974 at Thirsk in the Studley Stakes. As a three year old he improved as he filled into his huge frame. In 1975 he won at Haydock, Newcastle and twice at Ascot. However, his peak came at the age of four when he won the Temple Stakes, the Kings Stand Stakes, the July Cup and the William Hill Sprint Championship (the Nunthorpe Stakes). Timeform rated him at 132 and he was bestowed the honour of Champion Sprinter. Retired at the age of four, he had won nine of his sixteen starts. He was sent to Easthorpe Stud and sired some very fast horses, the most famous of these being the great Lochsong who was Champion sprinter in 1993. Lochnager also sired Peckitt's Well who went on to be the dam of Lochangel, one of Frankie Dettori's famous "Magnificent Seven". Lochnager died in 1994 at the age of 22. Never have we seen a horse so quick. The Lochnager story did not however finish there, and among his offspring was the nine times winner Penny Hasset who we trained between 1991 and 1994. She in turn was the dam of Happy Times who was a dual winner for the yard in 1999! Thank you to Brian Bivens and Mr Spence for the photographs.

Peterhof Triumph Hurdle winner, 1976 chestnut gelding Foaled: 1972 by Royal Palace out of Raymonda Races: 19 Wins: 6 Foaled in 1972, Peterhof was a chestnut by Royal Palace out of the Primera mare Raymonda. He came to our yard after being purchased out of a York seller for a mere 800gns. The first time Peterhof passed the post first (at Newcastle) he was disqualified. Peterhof was a superb hurdler and he won the 1976 Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Ridden by Jonjo O'Neill, Peterhof beat the great Monksfield in the race, and survived a stewards' enquiry to take the prizemoney. Peterhof left the yard in October 1977 to be trained by Fulke Walwyn.

Partridge Brook bay filly Foaled: 1973 by Birdbrook out of Limena Races: 33 Wins: 7 Bought from Doncaster Sales for just 700 guineas Partridge Brook won five times and was runner up six times from 11 starts in 1975. She made her debut at Teesside in April 1975 and won three times at Redcar and at Haydock and Liverpool in her juvenile season. She went on to record further wins at Ascot and Beverley and then retired to stud in 1977 where she produced winners Swingaway Lady, Topsoil and Northern Bird.

Pennina bay filly Foaled: 1973 by Great Nephew out of Princely Maid Races: 14 Wins: 5 Purchased as a yearling for 1,800 guineas, Pennina was a multiple juvenile winner in 1975. She began her career with a hat-trick at Catterick, Liverpool and Redcar and also won the Chesters Stakes at Newcastle and the Studley Stakes at Ripon. As a two year old she was placed at Ascot and Goodwood and in 1976 she was beaten a short head at Epsom and finished runner up again at Ascot. A fantastic filly and a real bargain!

Scattered Scarlet bay colt Foaled: 1973 by Hotfoot out of Storm Widow Races: 8 Wins: 5 Multiple winning two year old colt who recorded five wins in a row in 1975.

Sweet Nightingale brown filly Foaled: 1973 by Swing Easy out of Cabaret Races: 15 Wins: 5 Sweet Nightingale was a speedy two year old by Swing Easy out of Cabaret. She was purchased for just 1,000 guineas and proved to be a real bargain. She was part of a superb set of sprinters trained at the yard in the mid-1970s. Pennina, Scattered Scarlet, and Partridge Brook were just a few to mention. Success came as a combination of two factors. Firstly, it needed a good eye and judgement to pick her out at the sales, as she was from the first crop of Swing Easy and there was little to go on in terms of the stallion. Secondly it was the year the all-weather gallop was first put in. "What a job that was shovelling sawdust out of them trailers. I think we had over 80 winners that season. Great Times," remembers Brian Bivens who rode work on the gallop every day. Sweet Nightingale's made her debut at Teesside Park, where she finished third. Her first victory came in the Carberry Plate at Edinburgh on 21st April 1975, ridden by Eddie Hide. She went on to win four times as a two year old. Her biggest win was the Group 3 Seaton Delaval Stakes at Newcastle in 1975 ridden by Bruce Raymond, beating Red God by two lengths at odds of 9-1. It was a controversial renewal of the race as the favourite, African Winner, was blinkered first time and he bolted to post. The racecourse vet withdrew him having ruled that he had used up too much energy, and in the event Sweet Nightingale romped away with the race. Later in the season she was second in the Lowther Stakes at York. Returning as a three year old Sweet Nightingale failed to make the frame in her first four outings. However, she would win what would prove to be her final race on 28th July 1976 at Goodwood. Partnered by Joe Mercer she won the Singleton 3-yo Handicap at odds of 9-1. She would retire to the paddocks having won 5 of her 15 races. The picture shows her after winning the Singleton 3-yo Handicap at Goodwood ridden by Joe Mercer.

Jon George Ayr Gold Cup and Portland Handicap winner 1977 grey horse Foaled: 1974 by Comedy Star out of Romany Rose Races: 31 Wins: 6 Jon George was another superb sprinter we trained here at Sheriff Hutton. Foaled in 1974, he was a grey colt by Comedy Star out of Romany. His two year old career began with two unplaced runs before winning the October Maiden Stakes at Doncaster in 1976 at odds of 20-1 ridden by Eddie Hide. He finished his two year old career with the form figures 0014. In September 1977 Jon George won the Portland Handicap at Doncaster. Ridden by Willie Carson he beat Epsom Imp by a neck. However, Jon George's finest hour came at Ayr on 23rd September 1977 when he won the Ayr Gold Cup. This time Bruce Raymond was the rider, and the horse carried an eight pound penalty for his Doncaster win. A 22/1 chance, Jon George beat Future Forest with a well-timed run from off the pace, going away from the field at the end in what turned out to be a comprehensive victory. Click here for more!

Mrs McArdy 1000 Guineas winner, 1977 bay mare Foaled: 1974 by Tribal Chief out of Hanina Races: 16 Wins: 8 Mrs McArdy was foaled in 1974, a bay filly with a white star by Tribal Chief out of Hanina. A bay mare with a large white star she was bred by Lord Grimthorpe. She was purchased at his dispersal sale and put into training here at Sheriff Hutton, and sold to Edith Kettlewell. She was actually sold to Edith's husband as a present for his wife. The couple ran a motel in Wensleydale. Mrs McArdy made her debut at York on 11th June 1976, finishing unplaced in the Dick Turpin 2yo Fillies' Stakes. It was on her fourth racecourse outing that she would win for the first time. Ridden by Neil Crowther she took the Westgate Stakes for two year old fillies at Newcastle at odds of 12/1. She followed up in the Barton Cottage Nursery at Thirsk, this time sent off 13/8 favourite and winning by a length. She would complete a four timer, courtesy of wins at Doncaster and Redcar. Neil Crowther rode her in all four wins. Mrs McArdy's three year old campaign began at Doncaster, where she finished seventh behind stablemate Tudor Jig. However, she would make amends next time out by taking the Tote Free Handicap at Newmarket, sent off as the 8-1 joint favourite. She raced up the middle of the course and hit the front two furlongs out. The horses were in two groups, with the horses on the stands side having little chance. She win by two and a half lengths. Mrs McArdy was providing the second leg of an unusual double, as earlier in the week Tudor Jig had won the Northern Free Handicap for the yard. The horses had worked together and on the gallops Mrs McArdy could certainly keep up with Tudor Jig. Once Tudor Jig obliged it was clear that Mrs McArdy had every chance, and she was backed in from 20-1 to 8-1 for the Newmarket race. After the Free Handicap she was priced up at 25/1 for the 1000 Guineas and two weeks later she would indeed line up at Newmarket for the fillies' classic. Eddie Hide rode her in the Guineas and she was up against the best three year old fillies. Cloonlara was the horse to beat and started 6/4 favourite. In the race Mrs McArdy hit the front two furlongs out and the result was never in doubt thereafter, passing the post two lengths ahead of Freeze The Secret. After the race jockey Eddie Hide said "We were never going to get beaten. I thought Lester would ride Cloonlara from behind so when he jumped off I just tracked him. I stayed there until going down the hill and then went on to win." It was third time lucky in a classic for the yard, with Pal's Passage having contested the 2,000 guineas several years back and Tudor Jig running unplaced in the 2,000 Guineas of 1977. Tudor Jig had the ground against him and also had no luck in running. Tudor Jig was a far better horse than Mrs McArdy but unless the ground was soft, or even better heavy, he was not going to be at his best. After the race Mrs McArdy was given a 10/1 quote for the Oaks but on breeding she would never be expected to get a mile and a half. In the event she didn't stay and finished second last, but she soon made amends at Newmarket when winning the Fen Ditton Stakes, conceding weight to colts and older horses. She finished sixth at Glorious Goodwood in the Sussex Stakes to Artaius (Lester Piggott). Mrs McArdy's final victory came on her home course of York. On 31st August she won the four runner Strensall Stakes ridden by Eddie Hide. Sent off the even money favourite, she defeated Be Easy buy a length and a half. The filly could not follow up and in her next race finished third in the Sanyo Stakes at Doncaster where she had been the 10/11 favourite. Doncaster would prove to be her final race. At the end of her three-year-old campaign she was sold at Newmarket's December Sales for 154,000gns, which was then a record for a horse in training, and sent to the United States but failed to win. Mrs McArdy then returned to stand as a broodmare in Europe, her progeny including four winners. She then stood in Japan, and died at Taiki Farm in 1991 aged seventeen.

Tudor Jig chestnut horse Foaled: 1974 by Tudor Melody out of Conflagration Races: 20 Wins: 6 After failing to attract a bid at the Newmarket Sales I offered to train Tudor Jig for Sir Edwin McAlpine. He won four times on the flat, including the Northern Free Handicap at Newcastle, before contesting the 1977 2000 Guineas. He also ran in the Dante Stakes at York where he finished fourth, having not stayed out the trip. Switched to hurdling he made his debut when unplaced at Market Rasen, before wins at Wetherby and Teesside. He was top weight for the 1978 Lincoln but after running poorly at Newcastle he was withdrawn from the race. He made a final appearance on the racecourse at Newbury in 1980 where he was unplaced before retiring.

Urser bay horse Foaled: 1974 by Ragusa out of Wild Trump Races: 42 Wins: 12 Urser was one of the prolific winners associated with the stable for a decade between 1977 and 1986. Originally a 15,500 guineas purchase by his owner, Urser came from Paddy Prendergast in Ireland, where he was a dual flat winner, to go jumping. Urser won twelve races over jumps and after retiring from running under rules he went on to win four Point-to-Points.

Whenby bay gelding Foaled: 1974 by Prevailing out of Sea Magic Races: 45 Wins: 6 Purchased for just 320 guineas by fruit merchants John Mason and John Henderson, Whenby went onto become a multiple winner. He was bought in a consignment of six horses, along with Revlow who was sent to be trained by Peter Easterby. Whenby made his debut at Catterick in March 1976 and won his first race at Redcar in May 1976. His win was in selling race and trainer and owner had to go to 1,900 guineas to keep him. Whenby won three times as a two year old. His win at Ayr in September saw him backed from 15-1 to 7-2. Bookmakers hailed it as the biggest gamble of the year in the north. His owners admitted to having won around £70,000 when Revlow had won a few days previously so the scale on the Whenby gamble was clear! In 1977 he won the Singleton Handicap at Goodwood and the Alexandra Handicap at Doncaster. Whenby's biggest win came in the 1978 Gosforth Park Cup when he was first home at odds of 10-1 ridden by Mark Birch. Whenby left the yard after the 1978 season, having won six races from 45 starts.

Happy Worker bay gelding Foaled: 1975 by Workboy out of Gypsy Refrain Wins: 9 Happy Worker was by Workboy, who was a multiple winner for the yard before going on to stand as a stallion. Happy Worker made his debut on the flat at York in 1977 but he did not make the frame in either of his first two flat seasons. In 1978 he made his hurdles debut at Market Rasen and again failed to win in his first two seasons over jumps. His first victory came at Beverley in the Etton Handicap Stakes in 1979 when Terry Lucas rode him to victory over two miles. He followed up at edinburgh and then later the same season won back at Beverley over a 2m 3f trip. In 1980 he won at Redcar before switching back to hurdles. In November 1980 Happy Worker won at Wetherby and Market Rasen, the latter victory over three miles in novice hurdle company. The following month he fell when bidding for a hat-trick back at Wetherby. Luckily caught very quickly!" Brian Bivens, who had taken the horse to the races that day, recalls the day. "When he fell at Wetherby in his last race for the yard he got loose and escaped onto the A1 and caused a big traffic jam until he was caught." Happy Worker left the yard in 1981, and went to be trained by John Mason. John had a string of fruit and veg shops and had horses with both Mick and Peter Easterby. Happy Worker returned to the yard in 1984 and won three chases in a row before retiring. In his retirement Happy Worker was looked after by Alan Brisby, a farmer at Whenby just a few miles from Sheriff Hutton. Alan's son Simon rode out a bit for Mick Easterby and used to Point to Point. The horse finished his days off on the farm. Brian Bivens, who had looked after Happy Worker in his racing days used to go and see his old friend often and spend hours in the field with him before he died. He was a great horse a lot like B and K Emperor. He used to lead the young horses and he was good for the young kids who had just started to learn to ride, although he knew what he was doing and used to take the mickey out of them a bit! Thanks to Brian Bivens for the story.

Skewsby bay gelding Foaled: 1976 by Andrea Mantegna out of Rogali Races: 46 Wins: 10 A multiple winner on the flat and over jumps, Skewsby retired in 1986 and went on to run in Point to Points

B and K Emperor grey gelding Foaled: 1977 by Young Emperor out of Fiery Clare Races: 34 Wins: 9 One of the most memorable horses to run for the yard was B and K Emperor. He was purchased as a yearling and made his flat debut at Carlisle in June 1980 as a three year old. He ran six times on the flat and was unplaced in every start, but his career would later be defined as a jumper. He made his hurdles debut at Wetherby in October 1980 and was unplaced, but he would win next time out at Kelso. He won twice in his novice season, both times ridden by Phil Tuck. In 1982 he won in handicap company at Catterick before a further victory at Liverpool where he was ridden by the owner's son, Ronnie Beggan. He finished out of the frame in his next five runs, and headed to Liverpool in 1983 to contest the race he won the previous season. Again ridden by Ronnie Beggan he won the Ladbroke Amateur Handicap Hurdle and followed up at Wetherby the next month. The 1983/4 season saw him switched to fences and he won twice in novice company at Wetherby. His wins saw him raised in class and he contested the Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown, but took a crashing fall, the only time he fell in his whole career. He made amends at Catterick in February, winning his third novice race. On 18th February B and K ran in the Nottinghamshire Novice Chase and it would prove to be the last time he would see a racecourse. Ironically, his conqueror that day was the brilliant Noddy's Ryde, a horse tipped for the very top but who would come to grief two seasons later in the Haldon Chase at Exeter. The following Saturday morning B and K was having a routine exercise canter, ridden by Brian Bivens, who had looked after B and K since he entered training in 1979. The seven year old grey had a heart attack and dropped dead under his rider. I had a soft spot for the gentle grey, as did all the staff at the yard. B and K had been here since he was a yearling and had never been lame, sick or sorry in his life. He was as near to a human being as you could get - an unbelievable character.

Mr Snugfit Grand National runner up 1985 bay gelding Foaled: 1977 by Jukebox out of Sinzinbra Races: 47 Wins: 11 Mr Snugfit was a big old fashioned steeplechaser, and was extremely unlucky not to have written his name into Grand National history in 1985. Mr Snugfit tackled the 1985 Grand National and had to carry over a stone more than his allotted weight. Heavily supported in the betting market, he looked sure to prove the market right when hitting the front two out. Battling it out with Last Suspect, he looked set to win after Last Suspect made a blunder jumping the third last . However, Last Suspect responded to the coaxing of jockey Hywel Davies caught Mr Snugfit in the final 40 yards, despite flashing his tail he dug deep to win, leaving our Mr Snugfit to settle with the runners up spot. The following year Mr Snugfit returned to Aintree and was sent off 13-2 favourite. With three fences left Mr Snugfit and most of the 20 runners in front of him he was shaken up by jockey Phil Tuck and passed all but three and finished in fourth place. Click here for more!

Walter Osborne chestnut colt Foaled: 1977 by Welsh Pageant out of Island Princess Races: 30 Wins: 8 A multiple winning sprinter, Walter Osborne was named after a famous painter. He started life in Ireland before being purchased by Robert Sangster and joining us here in Sheriff Hutton. He won many sprint races and particularly loved York.

Lucky Dutch bay gelding Foaled: 1979 by Lucky Wednesday out of Dutch May Races: 37 Wins: 9 Lucky Dutch won eight races in 1984, including the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon and the Nottingham Stewards Cup. He ran 21 times this season and the best way to train him was to simply run him every week. Lucky Dutch was a horse who had skin problems but it didn't stop him being one of the fastest horses ever to run for the yard.

Chapel Cottage bay filly Foaled: 1981 by Homing out of Mayday Melody Races: 5 Wins: 2 Chapel Cottage made her debut at Haydock in May 1983. Her first win came at York on her second racecourse appearance when she won the University Of York Turf Club Stakes, again ridden by Pat Eddery. IN July 1983 she won the Cherry Hinton Stakes and later that season finished third in the Lowther Stakes back at York. Her target was the Cheveley Park Stakes, but the day before the race the filly was injured in an accident. She was having a canter when she injured her leg. "She gave a buck and a kick and knocked her leg. She was spot on and would have won doing hand-springs. I'm as sick as a parrot. But I'll tell you one thing, Robert Sangster's the best owner in the world. He took the news like a man, and if you can stand racing you can stand anything," said Easterby. Chapel Cottage was sold to Terry Ramsden at the end of 1983 and left the yard.

Peckitt's Well bay mare Foaled: 1982 by Lochnager out of Great Grey Niece Races: 21 Wins: 5 Peckitt's Well was bred at Jeff Smith's Littleton Stud, near Winchester. She was sired by Champion Sprinter Lochnager. She was purchased to run for owner Mrs Geraghty and made her debut at Doncaster in March 1984, finishing down the field. Her first win came at Doncaster in May 1984 when she scored easily under Willie Carson, a well backed 11/10 favourite. She finished her two year old season with successive wins at York and Ayr. Peckitt's Well was successful twice as a three year old recording wins at Haydock and again at York and was retired at the end of the season after running at Doncaster. Recording five wins from 21 starts she had a success rate that was above average. However it would be in the paddocks that this daughter of Lochnager would truly shine. Upon retirement Peckitt's Well returned to Jeff Smith at Littleton Stud, and in 1987 she was covered by Song. The following April she gave birth to a bay filly. That filly would become the great Lochsong. Trained by Ian Balding, Lochsong was a great racehorse, completing the Sprint-Handicap triple of Stewards' Cup, Portland Handicap and Ayr Gold Cup in 1992. She went on to win the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes and twice won the Prix De L'Abbaye. She was twice Champion Sprinter and in 1993 was the European Horse of the Year. Lochsong was retired in 1994 and as a broodmare produced five winners of 22 races, of which mares Lochridge and Loch Verdi went on to produce their own winners. In 1994, the year in which Lochsong won five Group races including the Prix D L'Abbaye, Peckitt's Well gave birth to a filly by Night Shift. She was named Lochangel and in 1996 she wrote her name into racing history by becoming the sixth winner of Frankie Dettori's magnificent seven when the Italian went through the card at Ascot. Lochangel went on to win the Nunthorpe at York in 1998 before retiring to become a successful broodmare, producing four winners including seven times winner Verne Castle. The legacy of Lochnager lives on. In the paddocks at Littleton Stud Strictly Dancing and Celestial Dream, daughters of Lochangel, are still producing winners.

Tresidder bay gelding Foaled: 1982 by Connaught out of Twenty Two Races: 100 Wins: 21 Tresidder made his debut on the flat as a three year old at Thirsk in April 1985. He won more races than any other horse running for MW Easterby, being successful in 21 of his 100 starts. He won on the flat and over both hurdles and fences, retiring at Sedgefield in 1996 after his 100th race.

Catherine's Well chestnut mare Foaled: 1983 by Junius (USA) out of Restless Lady Races: 62 Wins: 14 Catherine's Well was bred foaled in 1983, a bright chestnut filly by Junius. She made her racecourse debut as a two year old and proved she had bags of speed. She won her first race at Doncaster in September 1985 and the same season also won at Newmarket and again at Doncaster later in the year. Her biggest win came at Ripon in her three year old season when she won the Great St Wilfrid Handicap, a season which also saw her win at Beverley, Newcastle and Newmarket. Catherine's Well had won seven races when she was then retired to the paddocks but she failed to produce a winner from her first three foals. She returned to training in 1991, after a break of over 1,600 days. Her second career didn't start well when she was left at the start in her first race at Ripon. However, she soon got back into the racing game and that season she won at Catterick and Ripon. Catherine's Well raced for another two seasons winning again at Doncaster (twice), Catterick, Thirsk and York. In all she managed to win seven races between her first and her second retirements. Returning to the paddocks, her second spell as a broodmare was a huge success and she will be remembered as a brilliant broodmare in her later career as well as a 14 times winner. She was to be the dam of many winning sprinters including Williams Well who also went on to win the Great St Wilfrid Handicap in 2000 and other multiple winners including Emperor's Well and Elvington Boy.

Master Pokey brown gelding Foaled: 1984 by Uncle Pokey out of September Fire Races: 62 Wins: 10 Master Pokey was purchased as a yearling for just £600. He was sold to Lord Belper who reluctantly purchased him after questioning how a horse costing £600 could be any good. He made his debut at his owner's local track, Nottingham, in April 1986, finishing unplaced. However, his second race proved to be dramatic as he won at Pontefract. During the race his jockey, Mark Birch, lost his whip and borrowed a whip from Tony Ives whose horse was beaten at the time. He would run up a hat-trick of wins at two, following up at Thirsk and Doncaster. At the age of four Master Pokey was a winner at Newmarket, and the following season won twice in the space of ten days by taking races at York and then Newmarket, both times partnered by Michael Roberts. In 1990 Pokey won at Doncaster, Ayr and Nottingham but would fail to win in 1991 or 1992. His final victory came at Carlisle in June 1993 off a lowly handicap mark of 55, and after a year off the track he ran his final race when tailed off. Master Pokey was retired in 1994 having won ten times in his nine seasons on the track. Thank you to Christine Frampton for the photos and press cuttings.

Wiganthorpe Gimcrack Stakes winner, York 1986 chestnut horse Foaled: 1984 by Thatching out of Lustrine Races: 13 Wins: 5 Wiganthorpe was foaled in Ireland on 12th April 1984. We purchased him for just 2,000gns as a yearling after he failed the veterinary checks at the sales with a wind infirmity. Wiganthorpe was a striking bright chestnut with three white socks, making him very easy to spot in his races. He was a precocious individual and at the age of two he won the prestigious Gimcrack Stakes at York, ridden by the legendary Willie Carson. After several seasons at stud in the UK, Wiganthorpe was exported to Australia on 22nd September 1993 and went on to stand as a successful stallion in the southern hemisphere. He died at the age of 23 in November 2007.

Yaheeb bay horse Foaled: 1984 by Alleged out of Rissa Races: 25 Wins: 6 American bred Yaheeb started his career with H Thomson Jones. He joined us to go hurdling and won on his stable debut at Market Rasen, one of two victories at the Lincolnshire track. Yaheeb also won at Catterick, Kempton and Ascot and also over fences at Carlisle. He was unusual in that he was an entire horse and he later stood as a stallion where he sired several jumps winners. Sadly Yaheeb died of a heart attack at Norton Grove Stud.

Golden Flats brown mare Foaled: 1985 by Sonnen Gold out of Dutch Girl Races: 35 Wins: 7 A seven times winner, Golden Flats was bred from a long line of winners. She made her debut at Catterick in July 1987. Golden Flats won twice as a juvenile but her best season was in 1989 when she won five races in the space of seven weeks. Retired at the end of 1989 she went on to be a successful broodmare, her offspring including Colca Canyon (won 6) Coast Along (3) and Come Alive (won 1 flat 1 jumps).

Macarthur I bay gelding Foaled: 1985 by Ardross out of Polly Peachum Races: 40 Wins: 10 Macarthur I was by Ardross out of our multiple winning mare Polly Peachum. He made his debut as a three-year-old at Catterick in 1988, where he finished third. Macarthur I won for the first time at Musselburgh in 1989 over hurdles and also won over hurdles at Sedgefield. His first win over fences came at Newcastle and he also won over the bigger obstacles at Sedgefield, Aintree, Market Rasen, Nottingham, Haydock, Hexham and Catterick. He was retired in 1994 after finishing third at Doncaster, when had been his return after a year and a half off the track.

Silver Stick grey gelding Foaled: 1987 by Absalom out of Queen's Parade Races: 57 Wins: 12 Silver Stick was bred by Lord Manton with a good old fashioned steeplechasing pedigree. Foaled in 1987 he had a few runs on the flat but didn't begin to blossom until he was a five year old, losing his maiden tag when winning at Nottingham over hurdles. He went on to win five times over timber, but his true talents came out over the bigger obstacles. He loved Wetherby, winning at the West Yorkshire track four times, but his finest hour came at Sandown in the Grand Military Gold Cup. Eleven years old at the time, it proved to be his last victory, fittingly ridden by Milo Watson, the son of his breeder and owner, Lord Manton. Silver Stick retired in 1999, having run 57 times and won 12 races. He was one of the best chasers we have had here at the yard, and at his peak was rated 133.

Penny Hasset bay mare Foaled: 1988 by Lochnager out of Bad Payer Races: 42 Wins: 9 A nine times winner, Penny Hasset was by our 1976 Champion Sprinter Lochnager. She was owned and bred by Mrs Anne Henson and went on to be a broodmare. Penny Hasset didn't race until she was three and her first win came at the age of four when she won on her seasonal debut at Wolverhampton. She won six times in her four year old season, with further wins at Catterick, Carlisle (twice), Musselburgh and Hamilton. At the age of five she opened her 1993 season with wins at Newcastle and Pontefract, her final career win coming at Leicester in June 1994. She was retired after finishing down the field at Carlisle in July after running for her final few months whilst in foal to Clantime. She would only produce one winner from her time in the paddocks, Happy Times, who won twice.

Hasta La Vista Seventeen times winner bay gelding Foaled: 1990 by Superlative out of Falcon Berry Races: 126 Wins: 17 Hasta was one of the grittiest and most popular staying handicappers to run in the north of England in recent years. A 8,200gns yearling and a half-brother to two winners including Top Berry, (a dual 1m winner at three years), his dam was of little account. However, the Bustino mare Falcon Berry foaled Hasta on 21st April 1990, and he has done us all proud! Hasta was trained for the whole of his career here at Sheriff Hutton, owned by Ken and Judith Hodgson and looked after by Amanda Metcalfe. Hasta ran his first race in May 1992 at Catterick, finishing second over five furlongs. He remained a maiden until June 1993, when he picked up a Class E handicap over a mile and a half under Lindsey Charnock. Charnock was in the plate again at Southwell two races later, when Hasta gained his first win on the all weather. In October and January 1993/4, Hasta ran three times over hurdles, finishing third twice and fourth once. The spins over timber must have done the trick, as Hasta won his next two flat races at Southwell, under Kevin Darley and Frankie Dettori. August 1995 was Hasta's next win. This time it was Ripon and a gritty head defeat of Quivira. In April 1996, at Catterick, Hasta was on the mark again, making all and staying on the far rails in the straight as the rest came over. He was well ridden by apprentice Richard Mullen and it was a bold move by Mick Easterby, who explained: "I walked the course and there was very little difference between right up the stands rail and right against the far rail. So I told the lad to stay over the far side and save ground and it worked, though I was a bit worried about him being on his own for so long." Plenty of places followed, but it was May 1997 at Musselburgh before Hasta won yet again. A very moderate contest - the top horse was rated only 52 - but a thrlling a finish with Hasta, brilliantly ridden by Gyles Parkin, fighting back on the line to pip Charity Crusader and Northern Motto. The trio came very close inside the final 1/2f, with the winner the meat in the sandwich, but the stewards rightly decided that no interference took place and allowed the placings to stand. Hasta La Vista was making his second appearance of the week and Robin O'Ryan, assistant to winning trainer Mick Easterby, said: "He has won over this trip on sand, but this is his first win over 2m on turf. I told Gyles to sit on him and give him a bit of a chance, and he rode him to a tee." Within a few weeks Hasta had won another, this time at Hamilton. He stuck to his task in the gamest fashion to get on top after a long drawn out struggle. Mick Easterby's representative Gerry Kelly said: "The race at Musselburgh on Monday just put him right. The easier ground helped too, he stays." In July '97, back at Catterick, Hasta was reunited with Frankie Dettori for the Turmeric Handicap, and duly obliged. Frankie treated the Catterick crowd to a flying dismount and Mick Easterby sung his praises. The other riders allowed Frankie to dictate it. Crossing to the stands side rails, he was always in command, and the result could flatter him."That's why he's a top jockey, he pinched it," enthused winning trainer Mick Easterby. "He did everything right, setting a steady pace, gradually quickening up, and then coming across to the stands rail in the straight." Hasta still hadn't finished for the year and added a mile and a half handicap to his tally at Ripon in August! Hasta started '98 just as he had finished '97 and his first win of the season came at Musselburgh. The visibility, which had not been too good in the previous race, was bad for this. But there was no disguising Hasta's courage as he found that vital bit more under a fine ride from Terry Lucas. David Easterby said "He has won off 56 and was running off 44 tonight so he had a bit in hand if he run to something like his form. Terry said he battled like a pit bull terrier!" Next time out, he was at it again....although put up 3lb for winning at Musselburgh last time, he was still well handicapped on his best form and making all, and getting the stands rails in the straight, he kept pulling out more to gain his fifth success on the course. Beverley, July 1998. Another game performance by Hasta, again making all. He kept finding a bit more when challenged to win all out. This was his 14th win, but his first at Beverley. Although running creditably, Hasta did not win again until August 2000, again at Musselburgh. It was just a run-of-the-mill handicap, but won in pleasing style by the sprightly Hasta. Allowed an uncontested lead, which suits him so well, the winner answered his rider's every call in the home straight and was always going to win. This was his third course victory. Hasta returned in 2001, and at Hamilton in July won his sixteenth race. Given a superb ride by Terry Lucas, Hasta won decisively in the end, having kept pulling out more and more to see off his rivals in the last quarter-mile. Sadly, Hasta La Vista only enjoyed a year of his retirement, as his years in the paddock were cut short when he died suddenly of a heart attack whilst out in the field. Hasta's story goes to show that you don't need a lofty handicap mark to enjoy your racing. In his 126 race career he was a 17 times winner and also was placed 2nd or 3rd no less than 30 times. Sometimes the greatest fun and best days out can be had with lowly rated horses!

Flat Top A nine times winner over hurdles and fences bay gelding Foaled: 1991 by Blakeney out of New Edition Races: 68 Wins: 9 I bought Flat Top as a yearling in the autumn of 1992 from Tattersalls Sales. He was knocked down at 2,500 guineas as a store horse to go jumping and I knew I had a bargain. He was by the 1969 Derby winner Blakeney and his half brother had shown form for Mel Brittain, winning as a three year old at Beverley. Main thing for me was I liked the look of him, trust your eye, that's the key to buying a successful horse. Look at how he walks and how he behaves in the sales ring. Pedigrees can tell you so much but there's a lot of horses bought for their pedigree that have turned out to be no good. So you need to learn what to look for and not just read the books. Flat Top as he became known originally ran in the colours of David Spence, and was sold later in his career to Major Milo Watson. We didn't run him on the flat as he was too slow, and as a future chaser we had his nuts off before he started training. Jumping them big fences is best without anything dangling about that might hurt. We schooled him at home and he jumped nice, he was an exciting prospect and I'd got him at a good price which always helps. Flat Top made his debut on a foul day at Catterick in 1995 in a bumper in heavy ground. He progressed to hurdles, losing his maiden tag at Hexham in March 1995. The next season we started him novice chasing. Jumping the big fences had always been his aim. He was always going to be a long term project, a good old fashioned raw-boned steeplechaser. Flat Top epitomised the winter game, at his best on ground that was the soft side of good, loving nothing more than a slog around Hexham or Newcastle when it was freezing bloody cold and there was mud flying everywhere. I think he enjoyed getting mucky, some 'osses do, they love the mud. When we turn out the 'osses now some of 'em just go straight to the nearest puddle and have a good roll about. We'd take Flat Top all over the north of England in the winter, wrapped up warm against the elements to watch him jump round in the mud. There were more 'osses than punters at some of those meetings where he ran, but they were mainly proper jumping people, real enthusiasts, together with the usual mix of elderly midweek punters. He improved with age as he strengthened and filled out, but it was three years before he would win again. He was a funny old beggar was Flat Top and he didn't do things by halves. After three winless years he reeled off a hat-trick with three novice chases in the space of eight days at Wetherby, Cheltenham and Hexham in his favourite soft/heavy ground. Later that year, New Year's Eve 1998, he was a winner again at Catterick over hurdles rated 103. The year 1999 started well with two wins at Newcastle over fences - his wins often came in succession - when he was hot he was very very hot, and when he was bad he had a tendency to be shocking. There were as many Ps, Fs and Us in his career form as there were numbers! In 2000 he won at Hexham, and the following year he was beaten just a head when ridden by his owner Milo Watson in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown. Flat Top's final win came at Newbury in March 2002, taking the Stan James Telebetting Handicap Chase under Richie McGrath. The old bugger really battled hard that day and he led three out, was headed, and then battled back to regain the lead in the final half furlong and held on. Flat Top ran in point to points after retiring from racing under rules and was ridden predominantly by Jackie Coward, until time was called on his racing career in March 2005, the final run between the flags being at Brocklesby Park. In all he ran 68 times under rules, winning nine races. He didn't care who rode him either, as he'd been successful for six different jockeys in his remarkable career that had spanned ten seasons in which he'd collected the best part of £72000.

Lady Sheriff bay mare Foaled: 1991 by Taufan out of Midaan Races: 86 Wins: 10 A ten times winner, Lady Sheriff raced for six seasons. Her biggest win came at Goodwood in 1997, winning under Michael Kinane.

Minster Glory Sixteen wins and 23 places in 61 races bay gelding Foaled: 1991 by Minster Son out of Rapid Glory Races: 61 Wins: 16 What a bargain! In November 1992 a bay yearling colt by Minster Son went through the sales ring at Tattersalls. He was a striking individual with a big white star and conjoined stripe, but he attracted little interest. However, there was something about him I liked and after the sales I purchased him for just 820 guineas and brought him up to Sheriff Hutton. Named Minster Glory, and owned by Mrs Hartley, he was put away to grow and enjoyed the exuberance of youth in the fields, bringing him in in the summer of 1994 to prepare for the 1994/5 jumps season. He kicked off his career in novice hurdles, running twice and showing little, and then we tried him three times on the flat where he was soundly beaten. His troubles earned him a lowly handicap mark of 39. However, he was always going to be a late developer and in 1995 he showed the expected progress when he was runner up over hurdles at Newcastle and next time out finished second on the flat at Beverley, beaten less than a length. Minster Glory's first win came at Wetherby on 10th May 1995. Under a young AP McCoy he led four out and plugged on to victory by a length. This was to be the first of sixteen career wins for the bargain buy. A year off the track followed his maiden win, but after his break he was back in the winner's enclosure on the flat at Chester. The first time blinkers did the trick and Carl Lowther got him home at the Roodeye. We had to wait another year for his first chase win, which came at Catterick in Deceember '97. He didn't appear to be a prolific winner, and there was another year to wait before he next came home in front. The 1999/2000 jumps season saw Minster Glory really shine with four wins over fences, two each at Catterick and Newcastle. Further wins followed at Musselburgh (December 2000) and then Kelso and Market Rasen (November 2001). After his Market Rasen victory it was almost two years before he was to win again. Rated 130 over fences, he was beset by training problems and spent the whole of 2002 on the sidelines. We discussed retirement but he recovered and a couple of placed efforts showed he still had the ability, and he'd have got bored stood in a field. Then it all came right again! The Autumn of 2003 was a remarkable time for the ageing steeple-chaser. Now twelve years old, and rated 105 over fences, he embarked on a winning spree. On 11th October he teamed up with his pal Tony McCoy at Bangor, winning over an extended 17 furlongs. The same partnership were victorious again at Wetherby three weeks later, winning over the big black fences at speed, the trip being just 15 furlongs. Minster's chase mark was rising, so after a discussion with his owner we decided it was time to make the most of his hurdles mark, which was some 20 pounds lower. On 10th November he scooted up at Carlisle by 17 lengths ridden by Gino Carenza. A week later he won at Leicester, a 4/6 favourite. The five timer was completed three days later down at Wincanton. A well backed 8/13 favourite, Gino got him home by just over a length to take the 'South West Racing Club Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle', just shy of two miles. By the time he ran at Bangor in October 2004 he was 13 years old and age was starting to catch up, and the old boy was telling us he'd had enough. For his final race I put up his old partner in crime Tony McCoy. They finished fifth of six, but most importantly he came home safe. He was retired after the Bangor race. In a remarkable career spanning 66 races, he achieved eleven wins over fences, four over hurdles and one win on the flat. This little story tells us a lesson about racehorse ownership. That lesson is patience. Anyone watching Minster Glory's first five races would have been surprised to learn that a decade later he'd have 16 wins under his belt and had become one of the north of England's favourite steeple-chasers.

Banker Count bay gelding Foaled: 1992 by Lord Bud out of Gilzie Bank Races: 21 Wins: 7 Banker Count began his career in bumpers, making his debut at Doncaster in 1996. His first win came at Wetherby in 1997 when he won a hurdle race by 25 lengths under Tony MacCoy. He went onto win over fences at Catterick, Kelso and Doncaster and also added three more victories at Wetherby. Banker Count was rated 146 when he left the yard in 2002 to be trained by Venetia Williams's. Later on he recorded three more wins but had tumbled down the handicap by 32 pounds before he re-found winning ways.

Foist bay gelding Foaled: 1992 by Efisio out of When The Saints Races: 52 Wins: 8 Foist made his debut as a two year old at Ripon and throughout his two and three year old career showed very little. He won his first race at the age of four on the all weather at Southwell rated just 33. In a dramatic upturn in his form he ran off two more wins to record a hat-trick. The year 1997 saw Foist record three further wins and in 1998 he won twice more, when he won twice in the space of two days. On 3rd May he won at Hamilton and we took him straight to Warwick where he would win for the Gyles Parkin the following day. In seven of his eight wins Foist was favourite and he was a very popular horse with the punters.

Blessingindisguise Eleven wins in 102 races bay gelding Foaled: 1993 by Kala Shikari out of Blowing Bubbles Races: 102 Wins: 11 "The horse of a lifetime. It was a dream come true when he won at York. He loved polos but he really hated the stalls." - owner Alan Black. Blessingindisguise arrived in Sheriff Hutton in 1994 as a yearling from the DBS Sales for 4,000gns. He was owned for his entire 102 race career by York estate agent and chartered surveyor Alan Black. He was named 'Blessingindisguise' after a phrase used by owner Alan Black's father who, after seeing a fancied horse beaten, often said it may be a 'blessing in disguise' as next time the handicap mark would be lower and the odds probably greater. Blessingindisguise was looked after for most of his career by Percy Marshall, who travelled many a mile with the popular sprinter and was always there to lead him up. Blessing showed immense early promise and was a winner as two year old when he won a Newcastle maiden by three lengths. His three year old career was unremarkable, but he was back in the winners enclosure in May 1997 at Redcar where he defeated Moon Strike under Lindsay Charnock. Moon Strike and Blessing were to become rivals over coming seasons. The year 1997 was a good one for Blessingindisguise, winning at Ripon in June and then running off a hat trick at Haydock, Ayr and Ascot. It would have been a five timer were it not for a narrow defeat in the Gosforth Park Cup by a short head to old rival Moon Strike. In 1998 Blessing won at York and Ascot, earning a career high rating of 100 which was to keep him quiet for a while. His Ascot win, ridden by Mick Kinane, was an exact repeat of the win he had secured the previous year. By 1999 he was tumbling down the weights, and won at Newcastle at the end of year and then again at the same track in 2001. In 2002 at Catterick Blessingindisguise graced the winner's enclosure for the last time. In his final two seasons he finished runner up four times, but time was called on his career at Haydock in July 2004. He had fallen down the weights to just 43 and at 11 years of age he owed his owner nothing. His career statistics read 11 wins, and over £108,000 in prizemoney. He was one of the north's favourite sprinters in the late 1990s and his success made his owner's colours well recognised in sprint handicaps. These colours would go on to be carried by another prolific winner, Middlethorpe, in coming seasons. Blessingindisguise spent a happy retirement and lived into his early twenties, his final years being spent at Mill House Farm, Bulmer, where many of our old favourites have lived out their natural lives. Click here for more!

Westcourt Magic bay gelding Foaled: 1993 by Emarati out of Magic Milly Races: 72 Wins: 11 Westcourt Magic was an interesting character. He had one gear and that was flat out. He was owned by my good friend, the late Ken Hodgson and his wife Judith, and named after their business, the Westcourt Group. Westcourt Magic won five times as a two year old including the Listed Rosebery Trophy at Ayr. At three he won the Listed Field Marshal Stakes at Haydock and then four of his last five wins came at the Roodeye at Chester where he loved to gallop full tilt around the tight curves. Westcourt Magic was a frustrating horse for whoever led him up at the races, as he was always walked to the start as he would bolt as soon as he was released, thankfully it was usually only five furlongs.

Dee Pee Tee Cee bay gelding Foaled: 1994 by Tidaro out of Silver Glimpse Races: 63 Wins: 13 Dee Pee Tee Cee raced for his whole career from our yard at Sheriff Hutton. He arrived from Goffs Sales in Ireland as a foal and he cost just £2,000. He showed plenty of potential at home before he even saw a racecourse and he won on his two year old debut at Redcar in 1996, taking a selling race under jockey Gyles Parkin. Dee Pee Tee Cee quickly established himself as a stable favourite. He was successful five times as a three year old with wins at Beverley (twice), Carlisle, Redcar and Musselburgh. His best season came in 1999 when he was five, winning six times, including two victories on our home track at York ridden by Terry Lucas. In total he won 13 races, 11 on the flat and two over hurdles. His final win came over hurdles at Wetherby, and he was retired in 2004. Tee Cee earned almost £75,000 in prize money during his career which spanned nine seasons. He retired sound and spent his years off the track with Jane Bedford near Scarborough.

Jedi Knight Seven times winner bay gelding Foaled: 1994 by Emarati out of Hannie Caulder Races: 56 Wins: 7 I bought Jedi Knight as a yearling from Tattersalls Sales in 1995 for 9,400 gns. He raced for his whole career from here in Sheriff Hutton, carrying the silks of the late Ken Hodgson. Around that time the red and blue colours were a regular sight in the winners enclosure as Ken had owned some really good horses with me, including Hasta La Vista, William's Well, Westcourt Magic and Elvington Boy. A son of the speedy Emarati, who had also been a successful sire for the yard over the years, he was bred at Etchingham Stud and there was connection in his breeding to a horse I'd been very fond of in the past. His dam Hannie Caulder was an unraced daughter of Workboy who I'd trained with great success to be placed several times in Group races and he went on to sire many winners. Workboy had been a superb horse and I was keen to get back into the family. Jedi Knight, as he was to be known, showed glimpses of promise as a two year old, being placed once from three starts and was handed a handicap mark of 75. He was a big strong horse, but he'd be better at three. He knew what he wanted too, a headstrong character. He thought he was the boss did Jedi, a tough 'oss that liked things on his terms. A big bull of an 'oss, he took some taming. Handicapping would be his career path and Jedi was to win for the first time at Doncaster in June 1997, taking the 'Konica East Direct Handicap', defeating Allinson's Mate and Grey Kingdom. Frannie Norton rode him that day. He followed up at Carlisle for Gyles Parkin. He won easy, backed into 11/8 favourite. In August he won again at Thirsk for the late and much missed Lindsay Charnock. It was Lindsay in the plate again when Jedi won at Redcar later in the year to take his tally to four wins as a three year old. Jedi Knight was winless in 1998, he ran well but he had no luck. He got collared on the line at Beverley in August and he finished in the places in some decent races but he just couldn't get his head in front. He had better luck the next season when he won second time out at Beverley ridden by the Wombat himself, Terry Lucas. His biggest career win then followed at York in July when Johnny Murtagh rode him to win the 'Gulp! Rated Stakes'. Johnny rode the race of his life that day. The horse was bit doggy and I couldn't believe he'd got it out of the old rascal. If I'd had him as a stable jockey I'd have had twice as many winners in me career. We picked up £10,000 first prize for his win. York winners are special and this one particularly so 'cos it was on his owner's local track. Later in 1999 Jedi Knight reunited with his old friend Lindsay Charnock to win at Hamilton in what proved to be his final career victory, the 'Tote Bookmakers Captain J. C. Stewart Memorial Rated Stakes Showcase Handicap' over nine furlongs. Jedi Knight was retired in 2001, having run 56 times and won seven with 11 places and over £67,000 prize money.

Noshinannikin chestnut gelding Foaled: 1994 by Anshan out of Preziosa Races: 44 Wins: 7 Noshinnanikin made his debut at Newcastle in 1998. He finished first on his second run but was disqualified. His first win came at Newcastle in 1998 over hurdles and he went on to win seven times for the yard over hurdles and fences. Noshinnanikin was sold to Sue Smith at the Doncaster August National Hunt Sale 2003.

William's Well Great St Wilfrid's Handicap winner 2000 chestnut gelding Foaled: 1994 by Superpower out of Catherine's Well Races: 103 Wins: 9 Williams Well followed his mum into the history books in August 2000 when he won the Great St Wilfrid Stakes at Ripon. It was a super day that as Time Maite also won at Haydock Park for Tom Beston and Bernie Bargh. At the time I said his success was a fairytale, and it was. I'd trained Willie's dam, Catherine's Well to win the race in 1986 as a three year old. Catherine won seven races but failed to produce a winner from her first three foals. So we sent the old girl back into training as a seven year old, and she went on to win another seven before a second retirement and return to the paddocks. Seven was her lucky number. Willie was the best of her offspring, but at first I wasn't convinced that he would be good enough. It was then assistant Robin O'Ryan who twisted me arm and Willie proved me wrong! Willie was another multiple winner to carry the red and blue colours of my good friend, the late Ken Hodgson, and his wife Judith. Willie's half brothers Uhuru Peak, Elvington Boy and Emperor's Well were also good horses and all of them won a few races, but William's Well was the quickest of all her foals. He was a chestnut gelding with no white markings other than white socks on his back legs. Apart from his runs in maiden races, he always wore blinkers to help him concentrate. He was a bit of a thinker you see, his mind easily wandered off the job in hand. Like the rest of his family, he got better with age and was at his peak at the age of seven. He was a winless two year old and he lost his maiden tag in June 1997 at Catterick when he was three and went on to win at Musselburgh, but he didn't win again til he was five. He was a horse that loved the summer months, he didn't come to hand until May. May to August was his time, he never won before May or after August in all his eight seasons. Maybe the millennium celebrations woke him up as he won at Nottingham and Pontefract both over the minimum trip in 2000. Then his finest hour came in August, when he won the Great St Wilfrid's Handicap at Ripon for Dale Gibson. He had to survive a stewards enquiry though. Willie's last two wins came in 2003, both at Newcastle. We retired him in 2004, he'd won nine races and over seventy thousand in prizemoney. Willie was a quirky individual as many sprinters are. He was a proper racehorse on the track but at home he was the biggest baby in the yard - David reckoned he was even scared of spiders. But his mum would be proud of him when he followed her into the history books at Ripon.

Flower O'Cannie bay mare Foaled: 1995 by Mujadil out of Baby's Smile Races: 36 Wins: 5 Flower O'Cannie was purchased as a yearling from Tattersalls in 1996 for 14,000 guineas. Making her debut in 1997 she finished runner up at Newcastle ridden by Frankie Dettori. Her first win came at Hamilton in June and she followed up at Beverley. Gyles Parkin was the jockey for both victories. She ran 13 times as a two year old and was rated 88 at the end of her two year old season. It was October 1998 before she would win again, recording another double this time at Newcastle and Musselburgh in the hands of Terry Lucas. The beginning of 1999 saw her run her one and only race over hurdles, when she was pulled up at Wetherby, after which she returned to the flat. Flower O'Cannie's finest hour came at York in 1999 when she won the Queen Mother's Cup ridden by Serena Brotherton. Sent off at odds of 20-1 on good to soft ground, which was the key, she defeated Lancer by half a length. Serena won her weight in champagne that day and Flower O'Cannie recorded her final career win. After a disappointing start to her five year old season Flower O'Cannie was retired to the paddocks where her career would not hit the heights of her racing past.

Nowell House Twelve times winner chestnut gelding Foaled: 1996 by Polar Falcon out of Langtry Lady Races: 70 Wins: 12 Nowell House was a flagbearer for the yard around the turn of the millennium. We called him 'Polo' because he was small, like a polo pony. He arrived at the yard as a yearling in 1997, nicely bred by Polar Falcon out of Langtree Lady, a five times winner. He was a half brother to Sharp Return who had won the previous year at Folkestone. Nowell House was a good looking chestnut with white socks, and was looked after by Scott Pease. He was a particularly early rise was Nowell House, and he had to be one of the first horses out in a morning or he would try to kick down his stable door. He made his debut at Ripon in May 1998 at the age of two, and ran with promise without getting his head in front. His second and third runs saw him finish third and for his efforts he was awarded a rating of 77. He had been bought as a longer term project and he lost his maiden tag at Beverley in September 1999 off a mark of 51, ridden by Terry Lucas. It has been a big step up in trip from seven furlongs to a mile and a half and he saw out the longer trip nicely. Further three year old wins came at Pontefract, again over a mile and half, and at Redcar over 10 furlongs. Nowell House's time was the autumn, as he handled the rain softened ground. His two four year old wins came in soft ground at Catterick and Redcar during the wet and soggy September of 2000. Switched to hurdles he was a winner at Sedgefield in February 2001, and then back on the flat won the Babraham handicap under Kevin Darley at Newmarket in April. The 2002 season was winless, but at Newcastle over hurdles in 2003 off a mark of 102 Richie McGrath steered him home to win in his favourite heavy ground. A further win followed back on the flat at Hamilton, again the soft ground being the key. After his a summer break, he returned in October to mix all weather racing with hurdling, winning at Ayr in October for our apprentice Paul Mulrennan. His final two victories came over hurdles at Carlisle and Wetherby, winning two consecutive races, by which point he was rated 121. He was retired in July 2005, having won almost £75,000 prizemoney from 12 wins and 13 places.

The Nomad bay gelding Foaled: 1996 by Nomadic Way out of Bubbling Races: 44 Wins: 7 The Nomad was with us since he was a three year old, arriving from Tattersalls in Ireland in 1999 for 13,000 gns. He was a son of Stayers Hurdle winner Nomadic Way. Nomad's dam was the Tremblant mare Bubbling, who despite being unraced was a success in the paddocks, her progeny also including winning jumpers Virtuous Circle and Effusive. The Nomad was a bit of a thinker and not an easy ride, as a succession of jockeys were to find out. We broke him in and schooled him during the summer of 1999 but he didn't begin his career until the following November as a four year old. He began in bumpers, being placed twice but then showed his temperament when running out on the paddock bend at Musselburgh. He thought he'd done enough that day and wanted to go home, I don't think running round in circles suited him and he needed more of a challenge. That challenge came next time out, tackling hurdles at Wetherby, but his first three runs over timber didn't amount to much, and despite being comprehensively beaten on each start he somehow managed to be handed a mark of 100. The last of these three runs was to see the start of an enduring partnership with our then conditional jockey, the exotically named Gino Carenza. Gino was a superb horseman and also one of the tallest jockeys I ever set eyes upon. He hit it off with the quirky Nomad and eventually succeeded where others had tried and failed, although it took a few runs for the pair to get fully into step. The hefty mark with which the handicapper had decided to burden The Nomad seemed to spark him into life, as if he was going to prove a point to those wondering how the hell he had earned a three figure mark from three bad runs. As the penny dropped, aided by his new pal Gino, he took well to the jumping game and his career began to take shape. After finishing second three times in a row he went one better at Sedgefield on Halloween 2002 by winning his first race and then followed up at Market Rasen in November, romping away with a novice hurdle under a penalty. He completed the hat trick at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Gino Carenza had ridden him for each of his three consecutive victories. The winning sequence was punctuated by a flop at Wetherby, Gino pulling him up when tailed off after leading for the first mile. The winning habit soon returned as The Nomad was victorious at Newcastle in April 2003, slamming Charlie Swan's 2/1 favourite Arctic Gold, again Gino was the man to steer him home safely. In the summer of 2003 we schooled him over fences and he jumped well. His chase debut saw him placed at Wetherby, and then again at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. He looked every inch a future winner over the bigger obstacles. But unfortunately 2004 didn't start well, and after an uncharacteristic display of poor jumping at Wetherby he put Tony McCoy on the floor two out when in contention for the lead. In March we put Alan Dempsey up at Hexham and the pair got along well. The Nomad won two consecutive chases, both over an extended 15 furlongs. After his summer break, he was to secure what turned out to be his final victory, this time over Wetherby's big black fences ridden by Tom Greenall. How he won I'll never know because he tried to bring the third to last fence back home with him, but Tom kept him on his feet and the pair stayed on well. After his Wetherby win he struggled. A rating of 121 didn't help, but he also seemed to fall out of love with racing. Nomad was a thinker, if he'd been a person he'd have been very deep and complex, and while he spent his days in the field those thoughts seemed to be more about having an easy life and less about being a racehorse. He'd throw in the odd good run, and collect some place money, but this was mixed in with some remote finishes and when he got fed up he'd throw in the towel and be pulled up. We called time on his career at Market Rasen in 2008, and he went to my daughter Susan Mason where he would go hunting and run in a few Point-to-Points and generally enjoy himself. He ran in three points, his form reading UUP. In March 2009 he unseated poor Joanna Mason twice in the space of a week, at North Carlton and then Charm Park. He was retired from pointing after being pulled up at Brocklesby Park later that March. The Nomad started 44 times under rules, winning seven and being placed 13 times.

Middlethorpe Twelve times winner on the flat and over hurdles bay gelding Foaled: 1997 by Noble Patriarch out of Prime Property Races: 66 Wins: 12 Middlethorpe was bred by my late great friend Alan Black, an estate agent and chartered surveyor from York. Alan was the son of one of my first owners, George Black, and the red and blue colours being no stranger to the winners' enclosure. The association with the Black family went back to the 1960s and there are many tales to tell. George's first horse was the giant Nigarda who won at Beverley in September 1961 and was watched by George who suffered a fatal heart attack just minutes after his horse passed the post. Middlethorpe’s dam was the Tirol mare Prime Property, a racehorse of little account but she had managed one victory at Pontefract in 1995 off a mark of just 34 and with a seven-pound claimer in the saddle. It hardly seemed worth breeding from Prime Property but her owner insisted and she was covered by Noble Patriarch in in 1997 she produced a colt foal. Middlethorpe was always going to be a long-term project and although running in Black's silks he was co-owned with Alan Black's good friend, Mr Quickfall, a director of York City Football Club. Running three times before beginning his handicap career he was awarded a mark of 62. However, he finished his two-year-old season a maiden despite showing plenty of promise, but a drop in the weights would assist him in his three year old career. Middlethorpe's first win came at Beverley in 2000 under the late Pat Eddery. On a rain-soaked night he was given a superb ride to lead inside the final furlong and stay on for victory. Later the same year he was a winner at York, the local track of his owners, taking the 'HBLB Travel Trade Gazette Apprentice Handicap' ridden by Paul Hanagan. The first-time blinkers had done the trick as he won easily at odds of 20/1. He followed up a week later when he was a rare runner for his owner at Chepstow, again Paul Hanagan was in the plate. In August 2001 Middlethorpe scored at Pontefract, winning the twelve furlong 'Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel Handicap' in the hands of our then stable jockey, Australian Terry 'The Wombat' Lucas. At odds of 7/1 he was the rank outsider of the five-runner field but hitting the front a furlong out her hold on to win. The following year saw Middlethorpe win the traditional opener of the turf campaign, the mile and a half Apprentice Handicap at Doncaster under Sam Hitchcott, his owner and trainer topping the winners' tables for the first 30 minutes of the season. At the end of the 2002 season Middlethorpe switched to hurdling where his stamina would be a key strength and won his first race over timber at Newcastle. The same year saw Middlethorpe's half-brother Property Zone win his first race, scoring at Southwell. A good season under National Hunt rules followed in 2003 as Middlethorpe won novice hurdles at Catterick and Wetherby, and then returning to Wetherby in December he won again off a mark of 111. In the meantime, Property Zone had left the yard and became a dual winner over hurdles for trainer Chris Grant. Tragically Property Zone died in 2003, suffering a fatal injury at Aintree. In 2004 Middlethorpe mixed flat racing with jumping. His campaign began by winning the 1m 4f Apprentice Handicap at Doncaster for the second time, ridden by then apprentice jockey Paul Mulrennan. Switching back to hurdles he was successful twice more at Wetherby for jockey Tom Greenall, the second of these being his final career victory in December 2004. With perfect timing, a month earlier the baton was passed on to Middlethorpe's half-brother King's Square who had won his first race when successful at Newcastle. Although unable to emulate Middlethorpe's 12 wins, King's Square was to win again at Musselburgh in 2005 before being retired in 2007. Middlethorpe himself was retired in 2006 having run 66 times and won six races on the flat and six over hurdles. He amassed over £75,000 in prizemoney. Middlethorpe's family would race on until 2018 when Nunnery Lane (out of Prices Lane, a daughter of Prime Property) brought the curtain down on the dynasty at Wolverhampton. Too slow to win races on the flat, Nunnery Lane would embark on a new career on the polo field. A sad postscript to the story followed in 2019 with the passing away of owner and breeder Alan Black, marking the end of a 60-year association with the stable. Click here for more!

Silver Socks Won five times in a month, February 2001 grey gelding Foaled: 1997 by Petong out of Tasmim Races: 34 Wins: 7 Silver Socks was with us since he was a baby. Bred locally, by Petong out of Tasmim, he was the younger half brother of our winning mudlark Itsanothergirl. Silver Socks started his career unspectacularly running four times and not reaching the frame in low grade maiden events in the north. His first real show came at Beverley as a three year old, when he finished a good second in an Apprentice's race. At the end of the 2000 flat season he ran three times over hurdles but showed little. However, on 5th February 2001 he turned up at Southwell and scooted up off a mark of 39 on the all weather. A 12-1 shot and in first time blinkers he surprised a lot of people. Mick Easterby's assistant, Robin O'Ryan said afterwards "This was his first time on the all-weather and he's done it nicely. It was a bad race - the form of his Beverley second last August was good enough to win this. He takes a lot of riding, but he will definitely run again on the all-weather and will probably get a bit further." As usual, Robin was right. Eight days later, upped a furlong, Silver Socks won at Wolverhampton and repeated his win a week later at the same track, looking good value for his 4 length win. A four timer was accomplished three days later with an even wider winning distance of nine lengths! He was eased into the lead fully a mile from home and galloped on strongly for an easy success. Confidence was such that we'd put an advert in the Racing Post telling everyone he would win. The advert stated 'For sale - a "ready made winner" at Wolverhampton this week-end. Contact - without delay - Michael Easterby'. Another three days later Silver Socks just failed to make it five, but amends were made next time when Tony Evans got him up in an apprentices handicap to make it five wins within the space of a calendar month! Silver was kept busy on the track but his soaring handicap mark seemed to have stopped his winning streak. Back over hurdles later in the year, after being placed at Wetherby, the son of Petong was back in the winners enclosure at Haydock. He was still on the bit as he hit two out, then was eased close home to look value for more like double his final margin. Six weeks later at Musselburgh, the brave grey was at it again! This time he landed a novices hurdle in a thrilling finish. This proved to be his last visit to the winners enclosure. At the start of the 2002 flat season, Silver Socks was denied his eighth win when going down by a head at Doncaster, and after his next race at Nottingham [finishing third] he was put away for a jumping campaign. Silver Socks enjoyed what was to be his last summer at grass in the fields with the jumpers, and was inseparable from his 'girlfriend' Super Sammy. The pair appeared at the open day in August, as usual in nextdoor boxes. A chasing career was planned, and the first run at Wetherby gave the gallant grey a first taste of the big fences. He seemed to relish the task, and finished third. Back at the Yorkshire venue in November, on a dark and wet Autumn day, Silver Socks lined up for the two mile novices chase. Still in touch and turning for home, he hit the last open ditch. Everything happened very quickly, but he appeared to slip on landing. He was immediately pulled up and jockey Richard McGrath leapt from the stricken grey. Silver Socks had not hit the deck but the damage was clear to see, as he has suffered a horrific fracture of his near fore. Such a break is not repairable and under vet's instructions Silver Socks was put down on the spot. Silver Socks was one of our favourites and also our only grey horse in training. He was missed at Sheep Close Farm by the staff, and his untimely demise left a cloud over the yard. He will be remembered for all the fun we had with him, particularly his amazing spell on the all weather in February 2001. He was also missed by his 'girlfriend' Super Sammy, who wondered why her fieldmate never came home again. Click here for more!

Sporting Gesture Fourteen wins and 25 places in 121 races bay gelding Foaled: 1997 by Safawan out of Polly Packer Races: 121 Wins: 14 We bought Sporting Gesture as a yearling in October 1998 at Doncaster Bloodstock Sales. It was his second time in the Doncaster Sales ring, having not sold during an earlier visit to in January. In between his visits to Doncaster he had moved to David Spence's Forbes Arms Stud in Aberdeenshire from his breeder, Wood Farm Stud in Shropshire. By Safawan, there was winning blood on the dam side of the family. Half sisters Sun Street and Kiawah were multiple winners, whilst half brothers Upton Park and Regal Reform were also winners, the latter winning six races on the flat and four over jumps. Sporting Gesture was the last, and the best, of her offspring. Prepared for a two year old career, Sporting Gesture was to run in the purple silks of owner Steve Hull and made his debut at Catterick in July 2000, finishing midfield. He ran five times in maiden company and began his handicap career at Catterick rated 65. Ridden by Terry Lucas he was last at the half way point but the penny soon dropped and he went from last to first to record his first win at odds of 16/1. Asked about his rapid improvement, his trainer explained that he benefitted from a handicap mark which may have been 'too lenient'. In July 2000 Sporting Gesture was to win for the first time at York, ridden by Joe Fanning, and the same jockey was in the plate the following month when Sporty was to win at Chester. The following season, in his usual midsummer resurgence, Sporty reeled of a hat-trick, winning at Nottingham, Thirsk and Pontefract for three different jockeys. A quiet 2002 followed, but amongst his notable outings was the debut ride for apprentice jockey Phil Greally. Phil worked at the yard with an ambition of being a jockey, and that ambition was realised on 13th April 2002. Sporting Gesture was Phil's favourite horse and it made for a fitting debut. Tragically Phil died in an accident in December 2002. Phil and Sporting Gesture were commemorated in a portrait commissioned by Phil's family. In 2003 Sporty was back to winning ways, winning under Dale Gibson at Pontefract and then in June he won the Queen Mother's Cup ridden by Serena Brotherton. Back on the Knavesmire in September he was victorious again, this time with Kieren Fallon in the plate. Sporty had to wait until 2005 for his next win, which came at Doncaster in May, followed by another York victory in July. He made it three wins for the season at Thirsk in September. It was clear that Sporty by this time preferred to win in years with an even number at the end! The year 2006 was winless, but in 2007 his fifth and final York victory came when he took a Gentleman Amateur Riders Race on the Knavesmire. Following the sequence, he was not to win in 2008 but in 2009 Sporting Gesture graced the winners' enclosure for the final time, winning the 'Yorkshire Society Handicap'. His handicap mark was dropping and his final win came off a mark of 54. Given just three more runs, his final outing was at Haydock Park, where he finished fourth in the hands of Oliver Greenall. It was time to give Sporty the retirement he deserved and after 121 races and 14 wins he owed nothing to his owner and trainer. He had collected almost £145,000 in prizemoney and his career included an amazing five wins at York, our local track, as well as wins at Pontefract, Thirsk, Doncaster, Chester and Nottingham. A versatile horse, he was at his best on fast ground but was suited to a variety of tracks, from York's long galloping straight to Chester's tight turns. Sporting Gesture had been a yard favourite for many years, and would be missed by everyone when he left the yard for pastures new, especially Jane Bedford who had expertly looked after him and ridden him daily. Sporting Gesture spent a wonderful retirement in Scotland with Màiri Leith-McGaw, in the same part of the world where he had lived as a yearling. Sporty died aged 19 in 2016, but his legacy will never be forgotten by those who had the pleasure to own, train, ride and work with him. Phil Greally's story can be read here.

Trouble Mountain brown gelding Foaled: 1997 by Mt Livermore out of Trouble Free Races: 128 Wins: 9 Trouble Mountain joined us from Barry Hills after winning twice as a juvenile. He was always going to improve with age over middle distances and he went on to win nine races for us, at Doncaster, York, Beverley, Haydock, Nottingham, Redcar and Newcastle. His biggest win came at Doncaster where he won the Weatherby's Summer Cup under Jimmy Fortune. His career stats showed 11 wins in 128 races, and almost £120,000 in prizemoney.

Blue Spinnaker bay gelding Foaled: 1999 by Bluebird out of Suedoise Races: 92 Wins: 9 Blue Spinnaker arrived in 2002 after I bought him from John Hammond in France. He had had problems with his legs but I knew I could fix him up and I knew he would be good once I had! He showed lots of promise on his debut at Pontefract where he was narrowly beaten by a head in a maiden race for older horses at odds of 100/1. At that point I knew I had a serious horse on my hands. Spinnaker went on to win the Thirsk Hunt Cup and the Zetland Gold Cup along with seven other races in 92 outings. He earned a total of £160,000 in prizemoney. Blue Spinnaker liked Doncaster, winning there three times and he also won twice just up the road at York and twice at Thirsk as well as at Redcar and Haydock. It was his fifth win, at York in 2006, that got me into trouble. I was interviewed about how I bought him and I got pulled up for what I said on the telly. I had no idea it was a forbidden word that I'd used, but I got a letter for me troubles and a slap on the hand. Blue Spinnaker was retired in 2011. For years he was our babysitter, looking after the yearlings when they were out in the fields. However, he was tragically killed in October 2020 when he was driven out of his field by poachers. An awful end to one of the most memorable horses of my career. Click here for more!

Gala Sunday bay gelding Foaled: 2000 by Lear Fan out of Sunday Bazaar Races: 71 Wins: 7 Gala Sunday was impeccably bred, by the American bred middle distance stallion Lear Fan and out of the unraced Nureyev mare Sunday Bazaar. Earlier in the year he had been a leading fancy for the Epsom Derby, having finished second in his two runs as a two year old and then bolting up at Pontefract on his three year old debut. However, he was beaten in the Wetherby's Blue Riband Trial at Epsom in April and after sidestepping the Derby he flopped in Ireland in Listed company. He managed one last win for Barry Hills at Hamilton before being cast off as not good enough for competing at the very top level which was expected by his owners. Sent to the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sales in 2003, his once titanic reputation in tatters, the son of Lear Fan caught our eye in the catalogue. In the event he was knocked down for a mere 6,500 gns, a fraction of his former value. Following in the hoofprints of many other classy racehorses from the yards of Newmarket and Lambourn over the past few decades we loaded him onto the lorry and he headed north to resume his career in Sheriff Hutton. Gala Sunday was rated 95 when he joined us and at first he showed very little. In his first two races he didn't beat a horse home and when he was beaten at Wolverhampton in a Class 7 Banded race in December 2005 he was rated just 45. We gave him a few spins over hurdles, which he really didn't like, and in February 2006 he was beaten at Newcastle by 83 lengths at odds of 100/1. It had been a dramatic fall from grace as the once Derby hopeful was now hacking round Wetherby and Newcastle, tailing off in poor quality novice hurdle races. The spin over hurdles seemed to wake him up, and after a spell in the field and a little holiday to freshen him up he won his first race since joining us. He had lined up for a Class 7 Banded race at Wolverhampton, ridden by Paul Mulrennan, the new Banded races being about as low as it could get in terms of quality. However, it did the trick and he was never headed, beating Bob Baileys by a length and a quarter, receiving a huge pull at the weights. He had picked up just £1,500 for winning the 'Hold Your Conference At Dunstall Park Banded Stakes' over a mile and half a furlong but at least he'd won! In July 2006 Gala Sunday was reunited with Serena Brotherton, who had ridden him to a placed effort at Nottingham the previous year. The pair were to turn out to be a match made in heaven and on fast ground at Nottingham the partnership hacked up to win the 'Amateur Jockeys Association Investing In Racing Lady Riders' Handicap' by eight lengths. We didn't know at the time that this was the beginning of a remarkable horse and jockey partnership that would become feared in Amateur Riders events over the coming years. Ten days later Serena and Gala Sunday were winners at Beverley. Back at Beverley the following month Serena and Gala Sunday led home a 1-2 when they defeated Emperor's Well by sixth lengths, the runner up being Joanna Mason's debut as an amateur rider. A few days later we made a rare trip to Yarmouth with him to pick up yet another win with Serena on board, this time talking the 'Roy And Joan Tanner Memorial Lady Riders Handicap'. For his efforts Gala Sunday was now heading back up the weights and when he ran at Redcar in September he was rated 68, a rise of 23 pounds. In September 2007 Gala Sunday switched ownership to run in the now famous purple and silver colours of our loyal owner Mr Steve Hull. Steve didn't have to wait long to see his new recruit win as he scored at Redcar in October, sent off 5/1 favourite and ridden by Serena. Placed several times in 2008, it was June 2009 when Gala Sunday was back in the winners enclosure when Serena won the 'Pontefract Ladies Handicap' at odds of 14/1. Gala Sunday's win at Pontefract was to be his final victory and after a handful more runs time was called on his career after running at Redcar in October. His final career statistics showed 71 races, nine wins and 12 places. He had earned over £50,000 with a remarkable six wins for Serena Brotherton. It had been a remarkable career from leading Derby fancy to tackling Banded races at Wolverhampton, but his record in amateur races over ten furlongs was impressive, and in Serena we eventually had found the perfect partner for the blue-blooded throroughbred.

Gentleman's Deal Winter Derby winner 2007, Lingfield Park bay horse Foaled: 2001 by Danehill out of Sleepytime Wins: 7 Gentleman's Deal was bred to be a great! By Danehill out of 1000 Guineas winner Sleepytime he was sold as a yearling to Gainsborough Stud Management for 460,000gns. Not living up to expectations for Ed Dunlop, he was sent to the sales a dual winner, having won a maiden and an all weather handicap off a mark of 75. He caught our eye and we brought him home from Tattersalls in October 2005 for 26,000gns to run in the colours of Stephen Curtis. He had been off the track for a while, but he won at the first time of asking for us at Southwell and followed up at Wolverhampton. In his next six starts he failed to win, but switched back to the all weather he was a different horse altogether. He won two handicaps at Southwell, followed by the Listed Ladybird Stakes at Kempton. Up in class again he tackled the Group 3 Winter Derby at Lingfield and picked up the £56,000 first prize. Two unplaced efforts on turf followed. It was clear that the all weather was where he showed his best and he bowed out at Lingfield on 22nd December 2007 by winning the Listed Quebec Stakes. He was ridden in his final five wins, including the Winter Derby, by Paul Mulrennan. In all Gentleman's Deal won nine of his 19 starts, and £143,000 in prizemoney. However, his all weather record showed eight wins from nine starts. Retirement from the track followed, but there was another role for Gentleman's Deal. He was to stand as a stallion at Norton Grove Stud, his impeccable genes to be passed on to a future generation. At stud Gentleman's Deal produced several multiple winners for the yard, including We'll Deal Again (5 wins), Strong Man (7), Fame Again (2), Alluring Star (7) and One Of Twins (2). His versatility was shown by the range of distances his progeny won over, from sprinters to stayers and even an eight times point to point winner, Royal Deal. Click here for more!

Atlantic Story brown gelding Foaled: 2002 by Stormy Atlantic out of Story Book Girl Races: 54 Wins: 12 Atlantic Story ran three times for Godolphin in 2004 before being sent to the sales where we picked him up. He had won once for Saeed Bin Suroor but we knew there was more to come. The key to this horse was the all weather. He had an American dirt pedigree and he was a pure all weather horse. Atlantic Story won twelve times for us on the sand, six times at Lingfield, three times at Kempton, twice at Wolverhampton and once at Southwell. He got on well with Jamie Spencer who won five times on him. Atlantic Story won off a mark of 108 at Lingfield in 2008. Around Lingfield Park over a trip of seven furlongs he was untouchable. Atlantic Story was retired in 2012, winning 13 races from just 54 starts, almost a 25% strike rate.

Bow Bridge brown mare Foaled: 2003 by Bertolini out of Bow Peep Races: 8 Wins: 3 Bow Bridge was foaled in 2003, sired by Bertolini out of the three times winning Shalford mare Bow Peep. Bow Peep's other foals failed to win a race but Bow Peep was somewhat of an exception. Bow Bridge made her debut at Beverley in April 2005, aged two years and three days, finishing runner up before going one better and winning at Ripon. Ridden by Dale Gibson that day, she won easily by five lengths. A week later she followed up at Thirsk. Her biggest win came at York in May when she took the Listed Marygate Stakes, beating Gamble In Gold by a short head and earning herself black type. Back at York in June she finished third in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes, part of the 2005 Royal Ascot fixture which was switched to York. Bow Bridge was not to win again, her final race being at Redcar in October 2005, by which time she had earned herself a rating of 100. Retired at the end of 2005, Bow Bridge went on to become a hugely successful broodmare, her progeny including multiple winners Bowson Fred, Towbee and Black Annis Bower.

Ancient Cross bay gelding Foaled: 2004 by Machiavellian out of Magna Graecia Races: 94 Wins: 7 Ancient Cross joined us in March 2008 after running just once for Mark Johnston. He was placed five times in his first season here, but did not win his first race until the age of five. Ancient Cross was a horse who got better with age. After many placed runs he won his first race at Musselburgh in 2009 and won again a few weeks later at Catterick. After winning at York in May 2011 he scored his biggest career win in the 2011 Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle. Ancient Cross was again a winner at York's Dante Festival in 2013 and the following month he won the Ayr Silver Cup under top weight. As time was catching up with him, it was decided to retire him in June 2016. However, he went out with a bang and he became a popular winner at Hamilton Park when he came home in front for Joanna Mason, which was to be Ancient Cross's last race. Click here for more!

Desert Vision bay gelding Foaled: 2004 by Alhaarth out of Fragrant Oasis Races: 49 Wins: 9 Desert Vision was a regally bred gelding, bred by Gainsborough Stud. His sire was multiple Group winner Alhaarth, and his dam was Listed winner Fragrant Oasis. Desert Vision was unraced by Mark Johnston and he came to us in 2007, to run in the colours of Alan Black and partners, a partnership that included the well-known snooker and billiards player Ray Edmonds. Coincidentally two days before Desert Vision made his debut, Desert Vision's half brother, a chestnut colt arrived at the yard. His half brother was to become Nayessence. Desert Vision started out in bumpers, winning at Musselburgh in 2008, but he had the speed for the flat. Switching codes, he ran creditably on the polytrack at Wolverhampton without winning, but a second placed effort at the end of 2008 earned him a considerable handicap mark of 79. It was November 2009 before Desert Vision scored on the flat. Robert Winston was the jockey as the first time blinkers worked their magic, and a fortnight later Oliver Greenall made it two in a row. Later in December Phillip Makin steered the gelding home again at Wolverhampton and the form of his final five races of 2009 read 11212. Racing at Doncaster in April 2010 Desert Vision was rated at 86 as the successes previously had seen him hiked 26 pounds. It was 2011 before Desert Vision won again, Jimmy Sullivan scoring at Carlisle. Oliver Greenall took the ride next time out, where the double was completed at Nottingham over ten furlongs. A three length winning margin saw the pair cross the line unchallenged. Desert Vision scored twice in claimers as 2012 drew to a close, both at his favourite Dunstall Park, with Jimmy Sullivan and Graham Gibbons the winning riders. In January 2013 Graham Gibbons was successful again on the gelding, this time in handicap company defying a rising mark of 82. The following month Desert Vision returned to Wolverhampton under the lights, with just three rivals to beat to take his winning tally to double figures, odds 1/4 suggesting he was likely to succeed. Cruising three furlongs out disaster struck, as the horse stumbled and unseated his rider, Desert Vision breaking a leg the injury proving sadly to be fatal. A nine times winner in 49 starts, Desert Vision won over £30,000 in prizemoney in a career that spanned seven years.

Lightening Rod bay gelding Foaled: 2005 by Storming Home out of Bolero Races: 52 Wins: 9 Lightening Rod was by multiple Group 1 winner Storming Home, out of Bolero, an unraced daughter of Rainbow Quest. He came to us as a foal, bought from Tattersalls Sales in the winter of 2005. His long term aim was as a National Hunt horse and he was put away to grow, being brought in during the spring of 2008, when he gained the stable name 'Rodney'. Like many a good jumps horse, he started his education in bumpers, winning two of his four starts at Market Rasen and Doncaster. Lightening Rod's first win over hurdles came at Wetherby in 2009, ridden by Oliver Greenall. Later the same season he also won at Kelso. Then in December 2010 Lightening Rod became one of few horses to have won a bumper after going hurdling, when he won a 'jumpers bumper' at Southwell in 2010, one of the additional fixtures because of the long freeze and abandonment of weeks worth of jumps meetings. In February 2011 Lightening Rod began novice chasing but his debut saw him fall at Sedgefield and after being placed back at Sedgefield he was unfortunately brought down next time out. November 2011 saw Rodney win for the first, and only, time over fences at Hexham ridden by Jake Greenall. Back over hurdles he was a winner at Wetherby in April 2013, his liking for the West Yorkshire hurdles track confirmed when he completed a double there in late 2014. His victory in the 'totepool Supporting The Sport You Love Handicap Hurdle' on 6th December 2014 proved to be his last career win. He had stayed on strongly to run out a comfortable winner despite the lack of confidence in the betting ring as he drifted out from 9/4 out to 11/4. Harry Bannister was the rider in the plate as he defied a rating of 134, a nine pound hike from his previous Wetherby win five weeks earlier. Raised a further six pounds in the ratings he was always going to have his work cut out from then on. Lightening Rod ran his final race at Wetherby in April 2017, finishing runner up. His final three starts had shown three runners up places. In all Rodney won nine races and almost £55,000 in prizemoney. He was a real yard favourite and spent his whole career here in Sheriff Hutton.

Day Of The Eagle bay gelding Foaled: 2006 by Danehill Dancer out of Puck's Castle Races: 48 Wins: 8 Eagle arrived at Sheriff Hutton in 2012 to run in the colours of Steve Hull. He won his first race for us at Chester in July that same year. He was a 2013 winner at Newcastle and then a winner three times in 2015, at Hamilton Park, Wolverhampton and Newcastle. Eagle was very easy to spot as he didn't have a tail! We called time on the Eagle's career after he fell out of love with racing. He refused to go into the stalls and it was his way of telling us that enough was enough. Upon retirement Eagle has taken up a new career racing but without the need for stalls. The story goes that in his first race his owner fastened a tail on him, and it came off in the race, which scared the other runners! Click here for more!

Itlaaq bay gelding Foaled: 2006 by Alhaarth out of Hathrah Races: 82 Wins: 9 Itlaaq was formerly trained by John Dunlop. He is a dual winner at our local course, York, which we always like to see! Itlaaq won his first race for us at York in July 2011, completing a double on the card after Hoof It's victory. In 2014 he won at Doncaster and York. He was off the track in 2015 but came back into training in 2016 and was a very popular winner at Doncaster in June for Danielle Mooney. The decision to bring him back into training was the right one, as Itlaaq was a winner again at Thirsk in July for Danielle. Always a horse to go well for a lady rider Itlaaq teamed up with Serena Brotherton in 2018 to win three times, taking the Ladies Derby at Ripon and also winning at Musselburgh and Windsor.

Shadows Lengthen Thirteen wins, including flat, hurdles and fences bay gelding Foaled: 2006 by Dansili out of Bay Shade Races: 65 Wins: 13 Shadows Lengthen came to the yard as a yearling having being bought at Tattersalls for a mere 5,500 gns. And what a bargain for a horse that went on to become a 13 times winner! Running in the red and white colours of Thomas Frost, his two year old career started unspectacularly, finishing second last on his debut, and signing off his juvenile year at Redcar where he finished 20th of 20. Gelded in the Autumn of 2008, his first win came at Southwell in November, the first leg of an amazing six-timer as he won five times at Southwell and once at Wolverhampton in the space of just over two months. He became a certainly throughout the Autumn on the all weather, twice sent off odds on in what should have been competitive handicaps. However, as always happens the handicapper was to put an end to the winning streak as Shadows was put up 32 pounds in the ratings. The remainder of 2010 proved more difficult, and the beginning of 2011 saw Shadows began his hurdling career, winning at Catterick and Doncaster. Rated 120, in December 2012 he was switched to jumping fences, and won at the second time of asking at Sedgefield. Further victories came at Bangor, Doncaster and Haydock. Shadows saved the best 'til last, and his final win proved to be his biggest when he came home in front at Wetherby, winning the Listed bet365 Handicap Chase in October 2014. Shadows Lengthen was retired in October 2017, a thirteen times winner and one of the toughest most genuine horses we have ever trained. In his retirement Shadows Lengthen has been team chasing and hunting and he is loving life in his latest career.

Hoof It Stewards Cup winner, Goodwood 2011 bay gelding Foaled: 2007 by Monsieur Bond out of Forever Bond Races: 59 Wins: 11 Hoof It is one of the fastest horses we have ever trained and he has been at the yard since he was a baby. He won four times in his three year old season at Beverley, Haydock, York and Doncaster. He grew into his huge frame after his three year old season and in 2011 won two valuable handicaps at York before his biggest win to date at Glorious Goodwood when he won the Steward's Cup. After a time away from the glory he was a winner at Doncaster's St Leger meeting in 2015 which was his ninth win. In July 2016 at Haydock Park he made it a career tenth win when he came home in front for Nathan Evans. Later in July he headed to Goodwood where he won the Qatar Stewards' Sprint Handicap for Nathan Evans, to make it a fabulous 19th birthday for the jockey. Away from the racecourse Hoof It has a big personality and he thinks he runs the yard. Click here for more!

Kalk Bay 25% share available in this proven ten times winner to run on the flat in 2017. bay gelding Foaled: 2007 by Hawk Wing out of Politesse Races: 64 Wins: 7 Kalk Bay started his career with William Haggas before coming to the Easterby yard in 2012 and it wasn't long before he was winning races for us. He has won at Beverley, Redcar, Chester, Musselburgh, Newcastle and Doncaster since he joined us. In April 2016 he won Doncaster in the capable hands of Joanna Mason as he romped home in an Amateur Riders handicap. The tenth and final win of his career came at Newcastle on the all weather ridden by Nathan Evans. Kalk Bay was retired in August 2019 having amassed over £96,000 in prizemoney. Kalk Bay was rehomed in January 2020 to a wonderful home near Pickering.

Space War bay gelding Foaled: 2007 by Elusive City out of Princess Luna Races: 107 Wins: 10 Space War was a real yard favourite and joined us from John Gosden as a three year old. He is a versatile sort, effective from 6 furlongs to a mile, both on turf and the all weather. Spacey is a lovely ride for an apprentice or amateur jockey and he has won for Anna Hesketh and twice for Joanna Mason. His final wins came at in 2019 at Southwell May 2019 at Nottingham in June for Zak Wheatley. Sadly Space War fractured his cannon bone when racing at Southwell in September 2019 and was retired from racing.

Hernando Torres bay gelding Foaled: 2008 by Iffraaj out of Espana Races: 78 Wins: 7 Hernando Torres was with us since he was a foal, arriving at the yard in 2008, and was a real stable favourite. He won twice for Graham Gibbons and twice for Anna Hesketh. His first win in 2017 was on the sand at Chelmsford in February for Joanna Mason when he won with plenty in hand. He was a winner again at Hamilton Park in July when Nathan Evans rode him to victory. Hernando got on very well with Dilys's dog Harry and they always greeted each other before and after morning exercise. Hernando Torres is now retired from racing.

Pivotman chestnut gelding Foaled: 2008 by Pivotal out of Grandalea Races: 69 Wins: 7 Pivotman was bred by Cheveley Park and joined us from Amanda Perrett. He won three times at Wolverhampton, and once each at Kempton, Leicester, Pontefract and Nottingham. Pivotman then became our first winner of the 2017 turf season at Leicester in April where he won the Simon de Montfort Handicap under Nathan Evans. He was a consistent racehorse and enjoyed his racing until retirement in 2018. Pivotman followed a new career as a hunter with Lord Manton after retiring from racing, but sadly his retirement was cut short following an accident.

Tapis Libre bay gelding Foaled: 2008 by Librettist out of Stella Manuela Races: 95 Wins: 11 A 16 times winner and a real favourite. Tapis Libre seems to enjoy travelling and has recorded wins at Redcar, Newcastle, Goodwood, Wolverhampton, Pontefract, Haydock, Epsom, Catterick and Musselburgh as well as York. Tapis was at the yard from being a baby until he left the yard in 2016. He was one of the highlights of the 2015 flat season before leaving to be trained by Jackie Coward, after which he won five races including the Ladies Derby at Epsom four times, and the Queen Mother's Cup at York. Tapis was retired in February 2021.

Aetna bay mare Foaled: 2010 by Indesatchel out of On The Brink Races: 19 Wins: 5 Aetna joined us in 2011 from Tattersalls Yearling Sales. She was bred by Bearstone Stud in Shropshire, sired by David Wachman's seven furlong horse Indesatchel. Her dam was the former Tim Easterby trained dual winner On The Brink. Aetna remained unraced as a two year old and was given time to grow and strengthen up, ready to debut at three. She made her first racecourse appearance at Doncaster in March 2013 in the red and white silks of Brian Padgett, winning first time out on soft ground for Graham Gibbons. Handed a mark of 77 for her efforts the handicapper was clearly cautious, but she was a winner again on her fourth outing in handicap company at Newcastle for Paul Mulrennan. Creeping up the race she ran three more times and made the frame every time before taking her winter break. Always a filly to go well fresh her 2014 reappearance saw her win again, as Graham Gibbons steered her home at Newcastle. In sparkling form she was sent off 7/1 co-favourite at York at the Dante meeting in the Infinity Tyres Handicap. The ground was soft and we knew she had a chance, and she scooted in to beat Baccarat by a length and a quarter. Aetna was in her prime at the age of four, and in November on bottomless ground at Doncaster she gained her biggest career win. Rated 99, and tackling Listed company, she turned the Wentworth Stakes into a procession, beating Lancelot Du Lac by two and three quarter lengths to pick up the £26,000 first place money and most importantly, black type. Graham Gibbons was again the jockey that day. Now rated in the hundreds, Aetna opened her 2015 campaign at Cork, finishing fifth in a Listed race. However, she was to remain winless in 2015, and was retired after running at Doncaster in October. Her career stats showed five wins from 19 starts and £68,000 in prizemoney.

Hoofalong bay gelding Foaled: 2010 by Pastoral Pursuits out of Baymist Races: 46 Wins: 7 Hoofalong is one of our quickest horses and he runs equally well on both turf and sand. His dam Baymist was a winner for the yard. Hoofalong won his first races as a three year old at Thirsk and Windsor. He has got faster and stronger with age and his first win of the 2015 season was an eight length romp over the minimum distance at Pontefract and later in the season at Chelmsford City. He was a winner in 2016 at Southwell in February and at Chelmsford City in April, before his biggest win to date when he won the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh in June 2016 ridden by Nathan Evans. Hoofalong left the yard in 2017 to continue his career overseas. Click here for more!

Perfect Pasture bay gelding Foaled: 2010 by Pastoral Pursuits out of Word Perfect Wins: 13 A home bred gelding by Pastoral Pursuits out of Word Perfect who was a multiple winner for the yard. He has won ten races, and goes on the all weather and turf to equal effect. Five and six furlongs are his best trip and he is a very quick horse, when he wins he can win by quite amazing margins for sprint races! At the Curragh in July 2016 when he won the Evoke.ie Scurry Handicap under Paul Mulrennan, turning a competitive handicap into a procession. There was still more to come and Pasture won first time out in 2017 at Windsor when he led from start to finish in the Weatherbys Private Bank Leisure Stakes Listed race for jockey Sean Levey. Pasture bounced back to form in October winning a six furlong handicap at Doncaster for David Allan, and followed up at Nottingham again in the hands of David Allan to sign off 2017 on a real high. Perfect Pasture returned at Doncaster in 2018 to win the first race of the new flat season, the Listed Cammidge Trophy. Click here for more!

Holiday Magic grey gelding Foaled: 2011 by Dark Angel out of Win Cash Races: 44 Wins: 3 Holiday Magic joined us after being owned by Godolphin and trained by Charlie Appleby. He is a good looking grey gelding and a full brother to winning fillies Coolnagree and Yours Truly. He won his first race for us at Wolverhampton in December when he was given a superb ride by Jimmy Sullivan and he followed up at Chelmsford a week later to be our 60th winner of 2016! He then completed a hat-trick at Southwell on New Years Day 2017 to start the New Year with a bang for the owners and the team and for jockey Nathan Evans. Holiday Magic was sold at Tattersalls Autumn Sales in 2019 and won on his first start for his new trainer Lee Carter in November.

Qaffaal bay gelding Foaled: 2011 by Street Cry out of Wasseema Races: 47 Wins: 8 Qaffaal joined the yard in September 2014 from Goffs Sales. Purchased as a jumper, he made his first racecourse appearance in a junior 'bumper' at Newcastle where he finished fifth. It was clear that he had the speed for the flat and he raced on the level in 2015, his first victory coming in the 'Somerset Cheddar Handicap' over seven furlongs at Thirsk in July off a mark of 60. It was on the all weather that Qaffaal would come into his own, first winning on the sand at Wolverhampton in April 2016. Back on the turf he won at Musselburgh before hitting form at the end of the season when he ran off an all-weather hat-trick of wins, scoring firstly at Newcastle and then twice at Chelmsford. Qaffaal loved the surface at Chelmsford City and his final two victories would come at the Essex track. His form at Chelmsford was astounding, winning three times with two seconds and three thirds from 11 visits. He was probably a stone better horse at Chelmsford than anywhere else. A firm favourite with the staff, he particularly had captured the heart of head lad Mark Cobb. He was a horse who didn't have a bad bone in his body, always impeccably behaved and a flagship for the yard. Qaffaal's final race came at Wolverhampton in March 2019, finishing fourth in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton, and receiving a Racing Post rating of 97, the second highest in his 47 race career. It was just a few days later that Qaffaal's career was to be cut tragically short. After a morning canter up the hill, a canter he would do each morning whilst in training, he suffered a heart attack whilst walking back to the yard. A gentleman to the end, he went down gently, giving rider Serena Brotherton chance to get off safely, before taking his final breath. A character who will be sadly missed, Qaffaal signed off with eight career wins, 14 places and almost £90,000 in prizemoney. Rest in Peace old lad.

Arrowtown bay mare Foaled: 2012 by Rail Link out of Protectress Races: 22 Wins: 4 Arrowtown is from a superb family, and is a half sister to the incredible 28 times winner Stand Guard and also winners So Near So Farhh, Omnipresent, Conistone and Wafeira. She is tough as teak and she always makes her presence known. Arrowtown won her first race at Pontefract in September 2017 in heavy ground when she was given a brilliant ride by Harrison Shaw. In September 2018 Arrowtown won the Hambleton Cup at Thirsk when she made the most of the softening ground. She followed up later in the month at Ayr where she won again in the mud to prove herself beyond two miles. She then completed a hat-trick at York where she won the Coral Stayers Handicap ridden by Nathan Evans. Arrowtown was retired to the paddocks in 2019 and now stands as a broodmare.

Bowson Fred bay gelding Foaled: 2012 by Monsieur Bond out of Bow Bridge Wins: 5 A home bred gelding by Monsieur Bond out of our Listed winner Bow Bridge who also raced in the colours of Mrs Jarvis. Bowson Fred won as a two year old at Musselburgh and Chester. In 2016 he won on his seasonal debut at Wolverhampton on the all weather and showed his versatility by winning at Musselburgh in May. He then followed up at Chelmsford City with an easy win again for Nathan Evans. In 2020 Bowson Fred left the stable to race in Israel with our good friends and he is loving life in the sunshine! Click here for more!