Oliver Greenall Racing Open Day, Saturday 22nd September 2018
Good evening all,
A couple of weeks back was the Open Day of a racing yard we are very privileged to spend time with, and one who has really given us a boost with our photography and website. Most of all though, the horses are fantastic, honest and hardworking, and while the same can be said for the staff, they are also in addition a great bunch of people that we enjoy spending time with. That team is Oliver Greenall Racing, and we were once again very grateful to attend their Open Day, so here is a short report on the day, and also a large gallery for you all to enjoy!
First up, after dropping off the cake that Tom had used his talents in the kitchen to provide for the team, and which one member of the staff in particular said was unbelievable ( thanks Jo, cheque's in the post! ), was a visit to see a horse, who is always popular, not just at the yard but also because of the bond he has with his lass Jo. That horse is Fort Jefferson, who had just been forced to retire due to an injury he suffered on the gallops that was whilst unfortunately career ending, thankfully it was nothing worse than that. It is a real shame to see any horse retire due to an injury, particularly when they are very young. In his case, he is only 5, so whilst it is a huge blow to all at the yard and his owners Racing Spirit that he will no longer race, especially given how enthusiastic he was when he visited a racecourse and how he was at the yard, at least the injury was nothing more severe, and that a loving home will be found for him, and he will make a wonderful show horse or hack. You will not find a more caring gentleman of a horse, so whoever does have him after he leaves the yard will be one lucky person/bunch of people.
After seeing the gentleman that Jeff is, it was time to pootle around and see the other talented individuals that are present at the yard. Ranging from new recruits to seasoned veterans, the yard has an exciting bunch of horses that are genuine, hard working and enthusiastic, who will be winning plenty of races and scoring placed efforts in many a race, both under Rules and point to point codes.
Soon it was time for a schooling demonstration, provided by the yard's Conditional jockey Ross Turner on board Cave Top and amateur jockey Cai Williams riding Leskinfere. Both horses have bright futures over fences, and it was nice to see them school so well in front of the assembled crowds. Leskinfere seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself over the fences, attacking his obstacles and showing all the enthusiasm any owner and trainer wants to see from their athlete.
After a quick pause in proceedings it was time for the parade of horses, which was very well received by all those in attendance.
After the parade has concluded it was time for food, drinks and a bit of socialising with attendees. And as we were about to leave, there was time for a few more photographs with a horse who loves being the centre of attention, Jeff, and his doting, loving lass. If anyone ever tells you these animals aren't loved, and are only used for racing, then these pictures will disprove that myth in a split second. No one adores these animals as much as the staff who spend the majority of their day with the animals, making sure they are fed, watered, looking impeccable and their beds are clean and fresh, among many other tasks. Without these hard working people, there simply wouldn't be any racing for us mere mortals to enjoy. We owe everything to them, they are the unsung heroes of the sport.
Our sincere thanks once again go to all the team at Oliver Greenall Racing for the invite and for opening the yard for everyone. It's always a pleasure to visit the team, and we hope that these images do say at least a small deal of our gratitude and appreciation for the day.
Best of luck for the season team!
