NEWS UPDATE  9 May  2008  A SEA COMMANDER RAN AT WINCANTON LAST NIGHT........ finishing in 4th place, in the prize money. News and views from Ray EARLY this week . Hi all, I nipped to the stable yesterday and spent some time with Seamus.  I mentioned my reservations and concerns with Buddy ( A SEA COMMANDER) and it was now make or break with him over the next month. Seamus is still adamant that we can win with him. He says, in hindsight we should not have run him at Plumpton, but he was hoping we could scrape in some prize money with the small field. He says we have to take into consideration that he had not worked well prior to the race, he would have needed the run badly having come back from having a bad cold and the ground conditions were atrocious. He accepts now that in view of the situation, everything must be in his favour before he runs next time to give him every chance to show us his true ability. I also talked about who should ride. Quite rightly he said we can have who we want, but felt that Wayne had not done anything wrong on him and always rode him when things were not 100% right! It was decided however that we would put an entry into the Ascot Derby Sale on 3rd and 4th June, but in between give Buddy 2-3 quick races to give him every opportunity to show his ability Seamus thinks he has. If he does well the entry could then be scraped. Seamus feels with the ability he thinks Buddy has and his low handicap mark, he could rattle up a sequence of wins if we are lucky. It would be great if he is right...............but we will see! Buddy it is now up to you matey! The good news is that Veronica rode him yesterday and he felt in good form. Seamus confirmed that he is now working well.  Providing there is not much rain this week and the going at Wincanton on Thursday is good or better, he will probably run in the Novice Handicap Chase, albeit out of the handicap. It is the first race on the evening card at 5.50pm. If all goes to plan he will then run again at Fontwell on 14 May. Here are a few other dates for the diary: Newton Abbot on 19 May Fontwell on 25 May Huntingdon on 27 May  I saw Layla (DELAYLA) in her box; she looked well and finished off a packet of mints. On Tuesday she will be taken out and checked to see whether any lameness remains. If everything is OK, I understand the vet will then give her the cortisone injections and she can go back into training. The plan is to run her on the flat over 1m 2f +, although until she runs the distance is bit of an unknown with the sire being a sprinter, but the dam has a lot of stamina. Seamus is eying up a few maiden races at Kempton, Salisbury and Goodwood. I think Kempton is the favourite.  By the end of the month we will probably know the future of both our horses, so lets hope our luck changes and it is on the positive side. Notwithstanding what happens, we must now make contingency plans. Any thoughts or shed loads of money would be much appreciated! News and views from Ray yesterday BEFORE last nights run: Just to let you know that Buddy has been declared for Wincanton. There are 8 runners and Marcus Foley the 2nd jockey for Nicky Henderson will ride. He has already spoken to Jamie Moore who is at Newton Abbot about our guy!! Seamus says he will give him a positive ride and should be ideal. Fingers crossed for an improved performance! LATEST NEWS on Other nags. All ok at home. TIMBERLAKE and AMBIENCE LADY both had the vet in this week because I've finally got my arse in gear and had their blood tests done to see if they are in foal or not. Blood has been sent away so I'll up date in due course, hopefully next week. NEWS UPDATE  18 April 2008  Runners soon! News and views from Ray this week: Just to let you know that Seamus has decided to enter both Buddy (A SEA COMMANDER) and Layla (DELAYLA) at Taunton on Friday 18/4 in a 2 mile Novice Chase and 2mile 1furlong NH Novice Hurdle respectively. The ground is ideal for Layla - good to firm at the moment.  I think both are speculative entries, especially Buddy as Seamus is hoping that as happened at Newbury yesterday, there are only 4 horses in the race ( only 2 finished)As for Layla I don't think she will get in her race and will be balloted out.I still think Plumpton on Monday 21/4 is the favourite, but I will keep you informed of developments.                              LATEST NEWS Just to let you know that both Buddy and Layla do not run at Taunton Friday. Could members let me know by Sunday lunch time whether you would like badges for Plumpton on Monday. Not so sure whether Layla will run, as I think the weather forecast is not so good over the next few days!! Will keep you informed. Other nags are ok at home. TIMBERLAKE and AMBIENCE LADY both look in foal. In fact Ambience looks like she has a blinking string of foals inside her she is so big - she still has 10 months to go! I know I keep saying it but I must get off my backside and get them scanned.  Just to let you all know that I’ve jumped at the chance to ride YAWMI over  1 mile 5 furlongs at Newbury on Thursday 12th June in a Charity Race in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association. It will be a good opportunity to give him a blo, Emma says he will be fit enough to do himself justice (that’s the horse she was referring to, not me!) and the run will bring him on. Needless to say I am simply on a starvation diet to do about 11 stone! You are obviously all invited for a day out. A full card of races and then the big one - again, not me but the Charity Race! NEWS UPDATE 11.4.8 Update from Wilsford Stables.         Ray reports with plenty of news this week; I have spoken to Seamus today (6th April). Buddy's (A SEA COMMANDER) work has been increased. On Wednesday he was given a very good piece of work and although he did it well, blow hard afterwards. Seamus says he needs at least a further two good work outs and another school over fences before he is ready to run. He could be on the racecourse within the next 10 days. I will get back to you soon with a few dates for your diary. Layla (DELAYLA) was a little stiff in her shoulders after her last run and has been having ultra sound to sort things out. On Wednesday she was schooled over hurdles again and according to the boss was very much better!! Seamus mentioned that the schooling ground by the gallops is always good or better, and feels that whilst she jumps fine on this type of ground, the soft slippery conditions at Wincanton un-nerved her and that's why she jumped so bad. That may be the answer whilst she jumps so much better at home! We also made the decision that until she gets a lot more experienced, the stable jockeys will only ride her in her races. I will keep you up to date with her progress. One piece of surprising stable news is that Richard Young is leaving the stable at the end of the month and going to work for Robert Alner in a non riding capacity. Not sure if it is promotion, but is more money and free accommodation, according to my sources.  He will be greatly missed and we all wish him well.    I am pleased to report both Jilly and Frank (GOLDEN CRUSADER) are still in one piece. I saw them go past the drive - looking the part (Frank, not you Jilly!) on the way up to the ménage for a dressage lesson! Tracey tells me she had a bit of a stumble, not tumble, on STERN this week but both are well and increasing their daily workload. As most of you are aware YAWMI is now back in training with Emma (full details on the caloona website 'latest news page'). Whisper (AMBIENCE LADY) and Bramble (TIMBERLAKE) are fine, eating for England and both appear full of beans. I will get them scanned this month to see if they are both in foal and will update this page accordingly with any news.  NEWS UPDATE  4 April 2008  Quake in Wilsford! (see bottom paragraph). News and views from Ray this week: All I can say to you all concerning DELAYLA's run yesterday is schooling, schooling, schooling and more schooling!  I think you can say we were all disappointed with her short lived effort, but from the race and comments from the jockey afterwards, at least we have something to work on! One thing is for certain, which confirms Wayne's previous comments, is that she cannot handle soft ground whatsoever. That was the first thing the jockey said to me on his return. I have had a chat with Seamus this morning. He was also very disappointed and assured me that she had been schooled four times last week and although she did not go well on Friday, worked well enough on Saturday. He apologises to members! He spoke to the jockey last night. He confirmed that she was floundering on the ground and slipped into the first hurdle which unnerved her. Thereafter she was hesitant and had difficulty pulling her feet out of the ground when meeting a hurdle. He said, after meeting the fifth hurdle well (but had got herself behind) it was the time to pull her up, finishing on a good note!  The jockey told Seamus that she shouldn't be judged on this run as the conditions were all against her. The plan is to school her extensively over hurdles and also pop her over fences. One thing is for certain she will not run again unless the ground is better than good. It's now over to you Seamus and I'm sure we will see a marked improvement next time! Buddy (A SEA COMMANDER) is in good order, in fact so well he managed to unshipped Veronica a couple of times this morning. Veronica is fine but I can't say too much about the road!!! He will have a good workout tomorrow and Seamus will assess his condition. I think he will be out in the next couple of weeks. I will keep you informed! Other nags are ok at home. TIMBERLAKE and AMBIENCE LADY have been moved to a new field following their romance with YAWMI. I will get them scanned in a few weeks time to see if they register in foal - fingers crossed. I'm sure as we speak Ambience is in but I'm not too sure whether Bramble took the bait! NEWS UPDATE 28.3.8 Update from Wilsford Stables.         Ray reports; Happy Easter gang!!  Veronica and I left our warm comfy bed and nipped up to the stable early on Friday morning. Veronica had agreed to ride out a couple of lots and ended up doing three due to staff sickness! She rode Buddy, Layla and Bizy (Lets get Busy). I had the more difficult task of chatting with Seamus about a variety of racing subjects, together with discussing our horses. We even managed to have a couple cups of tea in between nipping up to the gallops........most taxing!  A SEA COMMANDER Bud looked well (shiny coat) and there was no visible sign of his snotty nose. He had two good canters up the gallop. Although he had been going up the gallops regularly, this was his first real good piece of work since his cold. Veronica said he moved up the gallops smoothly, but did have a good cough and splutter afterwards. This was ideal, as it would have cleared his airways and hopefully make him feel a lot better! I didn't appreciate how long a cold can last with a horse!! His work will be increased and by next weekend should be in fast work. Thereafter Seamus will start looking for races for him. He should be running in the next 2-3 weeks. DALAYLA Layla is a real sweety and enjoys a lot of attention in the stable. The good news is that she appears a lot fitter according to our stable jockey! Whereas it was difficult getting the girth done up on the the first hole prior to her last race, (a bit like me after Christmas) she is now on hole 3.  Layla had two good canters on the gallops working with an unraced gelding of Sally's. Veronica reckoned she could have taken him at any time......... competitive as usual! Veronica is quite taken by our new acquisition and whereas Layla, (not Veronica) was previously whizzy round the sand track a couple of weeks earlier, she appears to have relaxed a lot more and did a very good piece of road work prior to the gallops.  When you consider the strong wind, hail stones and rain, it shows what improvement she has made. Hopefully this will also pay dividends on the race course as she had always been quite keen in her races.     With all this wet weather Seamus has been loathed to run her, but as things appear to be a little drier, he is going to enter her in a maiden novice hurdle over 2 miles at Wincanton on Sunday 30th March.  Seamus wants to school her over hurdles on Wednesday and if all goes well, and she isn't balloted out, she will run.  Best wishes for a great Easter. Latest news received today is: Dalayla was schooled over hurdles yesterday and went very well. Everything is going to plan for Sunday. The weather forecast unfortunately, doesn't looked too good but providing it doesn't go to heavy she will probably take her chance. It is a watching brief, so keep your money in your wallet!!!! Good news this week is I see Seamus thankfully broke his 'cold' spell with Hillsforts Timmy winning at Plumpton followed by another couple of seconds. Long may it continue and roll on the winning run into the weekend.                Other nags. YAWMI and the mares are being split up this weekend into separate paddocks. I think Whisper (AMBIENCE LADY) is definitely in foal but I'm not sure with Bramble (TIMBERLAKE). However, I will get them scanned during April but if either of them show in season in the meantime I'll soon pop him in with them to do the business. He's booked in for shoes on 2 April and will be starting roadwork from 3 April. Tracey has been steadily increasing work on STERN Tracey e mailed this week to say Humph is getting fatter and has a snotty nose (got rays email; who hasn't??) but is doing ok. I did an hour and half hack yesterday, slow work and he was nodding a bit on way home, I wasn't sure he was lame, it seemed more like he just wanted a long rein and then he was fine-not sure if he's just having me on now! Leg looks ok and isn't hot, so will ride a good hour+ tomorrow and see how he is then! I haven't seen or heard (which is unusual) from Jilly next door and I assume all is still going well with Frank GOLDEN CRUSADER. I hope so anyway because sooner or later I'll be looking for a lead out to the forest. Also had some good news this week from Jan Duke regarding their filly Miss Judgement. it read. Well, she finally popped ! Due on March 10th but held on until Sunday 23rd March.  We had a worry on Good Friday as we were told that she was causing a bit of concern as she had been bagged up and waxing for a few days but did not seem to be doing anything and was looking a little flat.  Decided to go an see her on the Saturday and had a bit of a chat with her to tell her to get on with it.  Expected a phone call the next morning to say that she had taken my advice but nothing. However, on the Sunday evening we had the call we had been hoping for. MJ had foaled at 8.10pm (very civilised)  she had been out in the paddock during the day to see if they could get her moving and it did the trick (I think she wanted to get back to her nice warm bed !)  When they brought her back in late afternoon she decided to knuckle down and do something.  After one false start she went into hard labour about 6pm and had ‘Sid’ in about 2 hours. ‘Sid’ apparently is a character on some program or another called Iceman?  As the sire is Iceman that is what he is called for now.   MJ should be off to Ireland in a few days once the foal is strong enough to visit Clodovil who won the French 2,000 Guineas.

NEWS UPDATE 18.1.08 A Sea Commander Unships Wayne!
The official update from Hatch reads as follows:

NEWS UPDATE 4.1.08 A Sea Commander 3rd! Following an encouraging run, an extremely excited Ray e mailed this week;

Treated the other nags to some new rugs for Christmas and they all looked very special until day 2 when they duly decided to roll in the welcoming mud. Hence, the red and green coloured coats are now more black and brown but at least they keep them warm and dry. YAWMI continues to enjoy his winter off, I haven't told him yet that we have in mind the 2009 Champion Hurdle for him! Jilly tells me that  GOLDEN CRUSADER (Frank) has had the vet in as it appears - at this stage - that he has some sinus trouble. However, I don't know all the 'ins and outs' but he's going to Liphook, Hampshire to have an investigative x ray?(maybe a scan?) on his head. As soon as I see Jilly I'll get an update. She's been in the wars again, kicked on her bum the week before Christmas and damaged a finger last week. I think we must be mad riding out with her! Tracey tells me STERN is beginning to settle into his new surroundings. I received an e mail from her this week which read " Humphrey has settled down and I am walking him out-he is very strong and really marches out-my little legs wont keep up with him!! 6 weeks walking out and then I hope to get him scanned again-see if I can get on!!! love him!!". All sounds good. Work off some of those Christmas pounds (lbs) Keeping!

NEWS UPDATE  1 November 2007  New arrival for Keeping!

Woa, hold on Gary it's not what you think, it's a horse! Yes, Keeping has volunteered a good home for life for one of Emma's racers who has fallen out of love with the racing game. A winner over fences and fit and ready to go in all spheres, NO WAY BACK - a 7 year old 16.2 hh bay gelding , joins Tracey within the next few weeks. 16.2 hh Keeping, blimey that's along way down! Company for Yawmi , I hope, for a couple of months - may have to get his shoes back on and a saddle on him sooner than we thought! Pleased to report that Whisper (Ambience Lady) is still talking hold of the bit. Showing a clean pair of heels to Bramble (Timberlake) and me over the grass gallop this week, mind you Brazier you did have a 5 length start and a 4 stone weight advantage. D'you know the meaning of the term, 'A steady canter!' Brazier?   

News on BUD (A SEA COMMANDER) this week from Ray is;

Just to let you know that Buddy had a canter on Monday and again today (Wednesday). Seamus says that (touch wood) his leg appears fine, but just to be on the cautious side, he will get the vet to have a quick look at him when he does his stable visit on Friday. If all is OK,  he will be entered for races thereafter. I will keep you informed on any further news.

NEWS UPDATE  18 October  2007  Bud news...... Ray, off the crutches, and fully back to the roving reporter role said this week

NEWS UPDATE 5.10.077 All 'HOPE's Gone!

.... Sadly Gowna's Hope was sold at Ascot sales on Tuesday to S.Rawlinson for £1,200. Not sure what the plans are for him now, Ray may have more details in due course. Would be nice to keep an eye out for him. I think the jury's out on what to do with the funds and a lot depends upon how Bud (SEA COMMANDER) progresses and performs over the next few weeks. Ray will contact all owners direct re what the future may hold.

Timberlake and Ambience Lady are both scheduled for another cross country schooling session on Saturday morning. Both have been working very well at home with the former showing the latter a clean pair of heels despite carrying extra weight, in excess of four stone, yes that is STONE not pounds! Message for Seamus and Emma: I've had another request from the yard next door for another Frank or Patoma if either of you hear of anything available, looking for a good home for life. I think I actually saw a grown horse smile this week as  Yawmi saw Tracey unloading his new rug from the boot of her car. Poor old bugger, he's still not had it on yet as although wet, the nights are quite mild and he's doing very well without it. The ladies went out with Golden Crusader (Frank) again last weekend. I think the reason why he is so chilled and generally just turned off is because Jilly has bored him silly! How can a woman talk like that, she simply doesn't take a breath and you can't get a word in edgeways! Frank has become a nagged husband. She talks away to him as if he is another person out on the ride. She speaks for him as well! Truly a match made in heaven. You've landed on your feet there Frank. ps Sorry in advance, no update next week.

NEWS UPDATE 21.9.7  A date with the Commander?        

Pleased to report that Ambience Lady and Timberlake continue to behave out in the forest and now they know where they are going, are doing (intentionally) a lot faster work. We are taking them to a cross country course on Saturday morning to see how they school. Just remember Trace, to the best of my knowledge Timberlake hasn't jumped anything as big as a chase fence (and I've only ever jumped the garden gate, on my own!) so let's not start now! Pleased to report that Kevin Watson came down last Saturday morning to see Frank. I think he was chuffed to bits to see the old boy in his new surroundings and was surprised how chilled he was. Gilly has done a great job with him and I think on Saturday he was due to have his first schooling session! She's a big fan of this Pirelli training method - I thought they only made car tyres but Kevin is a big fan too and knew all about it. The three million dollar man man! well the three million guineas horse in this case, YAWMI, (pictured left) has settled in very well. The farrier has been back this week to give him the once over and can't believe how much foot growth there has been in the matter of weeks he's been with us. All good news and at least he will have a decent foot to put shoes back on in the spring.

YAWMI

NEWS UPDATE  31 August 2007

From our hobbling roving reporter ...

It reads: I managed to hobble up to Wilsford Stable on Saturday and see young Bud (A SEA COMMANDER) do a good piece of work up the gallops. My trusty nurse (Veronica) was the rider and said he felt as strong as ever. The news from the stable is that Bud should be ready to run by the second part of September and in the next week or two I will be giving you some possible race dates for your diary.

Good news Hatch and it will be great to have another runner shortly. Pleased to report that Ambience Lady and Timberlake continue to behave out in the forest. We went out and had a so called steady one mile canter last week, albeit not exactly in a straight line and causing two stampedes en route. Tracey needs to get some decent glasses as when I shout "Head towards that tree in the distance", she seems to instinctively take a different course - always off to the left! Whose in charge of that nag Keeping? Tracey is taking Ambience Lady to a couple of hunter trials within the next couple of months so if anybody wants a day out to give their support then I will advise details in due course on this site. We made a new purchase this week, called YAWMI and full details are on the Caloona Racing page.

NEWS UPDATE  23 August 2007

RED ARROWS MAKE THEIR "UNWELCOME" PRESENCE FELT!

I know I've been off for a couple of weeks but to be greeted with a Red Arrows fly past when I'm just coming into land at Bournemouth airport was not the most pleasant of experiences.  I think it's well documented that I am not the best of fliers and looking out of a poxy round window whilst being rocked and rolled around in a plane, fast approaching a cloud covered airport, was not the best time to be buzzed by Top Guns 'Iceman' and 'Goose'. They were that bloody close they could have seen my flying name written on my helmet, 'Brickin It'. Lucky for them they were leaving Bournemouth else I'd have launched a few verbal missiles when we finally landed following my rapid trip to the bog! Anyway, back to the nags, received an email from Ray this week, no longer referred to as our roving reporter because he's stuck at home on crutches! It read:

NEWS UPDATE  26 July  2007

BBQ INVITES IN THE POST ....

YES, they've gone (FIRST CLASS) but with the postal strike action due over the next couple of weeks you may not get them this week end. I know I've been bleating on about it for a while but once you get your invite, all we are looking for is confirmation of numbers in order that we are able to cater accordingly. Thanks in anticipation. That's if I'm still alive because on Saturday (weather permitting) we are off to follow Frank (Golden Crusader) for a steady canter over a two mile disused railway track. Does Frank know the meaning of the word 'steady canter'? Thankfully I should be carrying at least 4 stone more on Timberlake than Frank (with Gilly on board) and Ambience Lady (with Tracey on board). There is a theory that providing we stay on we will all be safe because neither Frank or Timberlake ever seemed to go much further than two miles!  

NEWS UPDATE  12 July  2007

WET GROUND HINDERS OUTINGS....

I've had an e mail this week from our roving reporter, Mr Hatchard, fresh back from the Algarve and it reads: I spoke to Seamus this morning. With hardly any jump racing at the moment he reports all is very quiet at the stables.

Hope is fit and well and just waiting for the drier ground. He has been entered in a "Seller" at Newton Abbot on Monday in 3.15 race. His participation will depend on the going and his ballot number. Seamus and I have agreed that should he disappoint again over hurdles we will consider giving him a run or two on the flat. He is flat bred and I'm not a hundred percent sure whether he stays well enough over hurdles. A race of over 7f to a mile at Kempton or Lingfield may be worth a try.

Buddy's leg is healing well. We have decided to give him a two week break in the paddock and then bring him back at the beginning of August for a couple of races over the big fences. He may not race until the end of August/beginning of September.  I will keep you informed of any further news on both horses.