Ravenswell Farm, Fergal O’Brien Racing – Tuesday 1st September

Now it was either that Katie had caught the bug for racehorse riding, that she was keen to see us again, or that a certain someone wanted one of our cakes again, for it was not long since Olly Murphy’s yard was visited when we were asked to accompany her to Fergal O’Brien Racing. Of course it was going to be a quick answer in a resounding yes!

Katie aboard Perfect Candidate

Katie aboard Perfect Candidate

The entry for her record of the day is here - https://katieandgrumeti.com/2020/09/04/yard-visit-fergal-obrien-ravenswell-farm/

One thing that needs to be said about the team at Fergal O’Brien Racing is that their social media guru is Simon, who is not just a talented and witty individual, but a qualified Doctor. He also has a few adorable dogs, notably one called Tommy, a retired ex-racing Greyhound, who loves a pop over the Easyfix obstacles that are used for schooling the horses. A selection of his enthusiastic jumps ( Tommy, not Simon! ) can be seen in the Flickr album linked at the bottom of this section.

Tommy has a pop over the hurdles

Tommy goes long over the fence

Lovely shape Tommy!

If not just seen as already a talent in the saddle, it is worth noting that Long Stay, who was ridden by Katie on her second lot, went on to win his debut for the yard shortly after at Newton Abbott. Did Katie weave her magic onto the horse that day? Potentially yes, so if Perfect Candidate is running soon make sure you have a few quid on him each way…

Katie aboard Long Stay at Second Lot

It was a fantastic day, made even better later on when we introduced Katie to another good friend of ours in Abbeigh Harris, who is not just a talented racing writer, but very open about her experiences with mental health, and how she battles with and overcomes her own demons on a regular basis, all in a way to help others who are in a similar position to her. The world needs more people like Abbeigh, and just like several other people mentioned in this article, she is truly irreplaceable. Do give her website a browse on https://abbeighgrace.com/ , and you’ll soon see why we hold her in such high regard.

Paddy Brennan and Minella Tara

Kim Bailey Racing, seen from across the valley at Fergal's gallops

Billy The Squid ( apparently he's three? He's MASSIVE! ) and Connor Brace

Silver Hallmark and Tori

Since they met, these two have been planning many a visit to yards and racing establishments up and down the country, so do follow what they are up to and give them your support, racing needs more like them. Just a word of warning, do not in your wildest ideas try and troll, be misogynistic or insulting to them, you will come off MUCH worse! It’s not needed, you will look a complete fool, and it’s easier to simply admire what they do and support them in any way you can.

Flickr album here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/153708976@N07/albums/72157715852282213