Friday 26th July, 2024

With Organdi being out of the handicap at Uttoxeter on Sunday we decided not to declare her and she will now be retired from racing.  This beautiful mare has taken us on a memorable journey since purchasing her as a two-year-old in France on an Adlestrop Club trip.  On the same visit we purchased Beautiful People who won three races and is enjoying a happy retirement and we look forward to Organdi doing the same.

She won a race every year for six years and was also placed many times.  Here is a link to her final morning in training today where as you can see, she ends her racing days in fine fettle having been a pleasure to train, own, love and appreciate.

On Wednesday I had the honour of presenting the annual awards to the students at Heros Graduation day.  The awards were once again sponsored by the Adlestrop Club and it was great to see over a dozen members of the Club in attendance.  As you may know, it is a fantastic charity that does so much for people and horses and the charity can be proud of many inspirational stories that have come from it’s existence.

After the awards Club members viewed Master Vintage (pictured) and Iron Horse – two brothers who have been retired to Heros. Then on our tour around the facilities, we were able to view the Forest School which the charity opened in October where young people can learn many life skills in a relaxing and natural environment.

 

Yesterday we heard the sad news of the passing of one of jump racing’s legend, Istabraq.  A triple Champion Hurdle winner, he died at the grand age of 32 at Martinstown Stud – the home of his owner JP McManus.

I followed his career very closely as I was with John Durkan the day he bought him out of John Gosden’s yard.  John was his assistant at the time and I remember his delight and enthusiasm in looking forward to training him as he planned to begin his training career.

Sadly shortly afterwards JD was diagnosed with leukaemia and the horse was sent to Aiden O’Brien whilst John received treatment.  Tragically John succumbed to the illness before seeing his purchase become a racing great.  Anyone who met or knew J Durkan realised they were in the presence of a special man who had a charm and talent with both people and horses.  Istabraq was part if his legacy and both he and the great hurdler will long be remembered.