Blog Fifty Six
Good Monday Morning
A thought for a Monday morning to start, and quite fitting as we all head out into a new week; “Bravery is not the absence of fear. Bravery is feeling fear and moving forward anyway..”
It was lovely to be back on the flat turf this last weekend, albeit in real national hunt ground. The racing was competitive and the Lincoln and Brockelsby as exciting races as always.
We purchased a new Bloomsfield’s Raceline Horsebox for our yard and it carried a winner, Gold Medal on its first day with us and first trip.
Gold Medal won a lovely race on Wednesday. Well ridden by Harry Burns, he sat off the pace and ran on nicely the last furlong to win. Gold Medal handy run since November so this was a great effort first up from our team. This was a great start for Quest Thoroughbreds, giving them a winner on debut for the syndicate. Gold Medal was a shrewd find by Jordan Hopkins at the last horses in training sale. It was the only horse on the sale he selected and thankfully we were able to purchase him on budget.
Our yard has had a fantastic week and a really good start to 2023 in the UK. We have had 6 runners so far in 2023, all finishing in the first 4 placings and this past week alone, 3 runners finishing 1st, 4th and 3rd. The 3rd placed Faro De San Juan was in a 19 runner class 3 handicap at a major track, Doncaster. I know I’ve been advertising this a lot, but, this is the premier league of world horseracing and we are playing in it with a real limited budget and handful of horses, so this makes me really proud of our team and the work they are putting in every day. The horses look amazing and are running well. Long may it continue and hopefully this brings a little more support.
Syndicates, I have to say, this has been life changing for me. We have two really well run syndicates with the most amazing, honest, hard working and knowledgeable people running them. Andrew O’Connor, Jordan Hopkins, John Nel and Luiz Cunha all manage and help the yards two syndicates. These lads go out of their way to cater for everyone and behind the scenes do so much work between each other to give you the best experience. I’m indebted to them! From pedigree and form selection, to the sales, logistics, management, raceday experience, transparency, feedback, stable visits and general inclusion of everyone, you wouldn’t find a better group of people to be involved with. Then it comes to the owners in the syndicates and I have to say, I’ve never enjoyed racing more than I do now, with the big groups that attend. I’ve met great people from all walks of life and ages who just make the whole racing experience that much more fun, win-lose-or draw. I’ve become friends with all of them and it’s gone beyond ownership now, to a lifestyle with everyone. I’m forever thankful and grateful for the support and friendships being made. All I can say is that I highly recommend Catch Us If You Can Racing and Quest Thoroughbreds and join us at Dylan Cunha Racing - UK.
We have also got some lovely owners who own horses outright with us and have also become really good friends of ours. Racing is a lifestyle and the people you meet and network with are brilliant. We have space for more owners and horses whether you own them outright or want a share, we have the team to look after you, and I’m always around to take a call, message, or more importantly a yard visit.
Talking of this, I would say it’s one of our most popular features, is that we have an open yard policy, meaning we welcome you to visit your horses and us at any time. This works well, especially with transparency and enjoying the whole experience, the journey of the horse and being an owner and not just being at the races, but seeing it all behind the scenes.
Interestingly where British Racing has been struggling with small fields, Bath Racecourse on Friday received 408 entries for their race meeting with boosted prize money. If there is ever an argument to immediately start making changes and sorting things out, this is a clear advert for change. No need for any more studies, but time for action to look after this great sport. There’s loads of young interest, if racing can only stop scoring own goals. I’m all for positive change and making things happen for the better of the sport and to help get things back on track and not just hurling abuse from the sidelines.
We will be at all the upcoming sales so get in touch and don’t forget our open day on Sunday the 16th of April from 10am to 2pm.
To close today; “If the price of winning is too high, wait until you get the bill from regret, and the bill from regret is generational!”
Stay updated and in touch daily following our social media and check back next Monday for another blog.