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Makeover Week
12th February 2008
Our world-famous Seawalker has been given a bit of a makeover this week as Justin Chittendon, Managing Director of Equine Health Centre Walkers, has been at the Beeches installing a brand new filtering system. The new equipment (pictured) will allow us to keep the water in the walker extremely clean, which is no easy feat considering that up to 30 horses may use it in one morning. For more information on the Seawalker visit www.equinehealthcentre.co.uk.
One of the first horses to put the new filters to the test was new arrival Derry City (pictured below). This five year old gelding came to us from Paul Nicholls' yard last week. He is by Old Vic, a renowned jumps sire and his dam is the half-sister to the Grand National horse, Nathen Lad. The horse ran third in his first bumper at Ludlow in December and then came fifth next time out at Taunton where he didn't look like he handled the ground. He is bred to stay and it will be interesting to see how he progresses, particularly when he goes over obstacles.
Yesterday we had Northern Seren make her hurdling debut in a novice hurdle at Plumpton under our conditional jockey Luke Kilgarriff. The mare is very sensitive and the close proximity of the stables to the course at Plumpton didn't help in our cause to keep her calm as the runners thundered by! She calmed down after a while and was well-behaved in the parade ring. In the early stages of the race she refused to settle for a few furlongs but her jumping was very pleasing for her first time out over obstacles, especially as the ground was on the soft side for her. She came home having learned a lot and will no doubt come on for the run.
Since arriving at the Beeches, Jeremy has been searching for top-class Lucerne hay to feed. We have sourced numerous suppliers and had samples delivered so we can start including it as part of the horses' diets. The one he's settled on is grown in Canada and while that's not great for our carbon footprint (we have planted nearly 2,000 trees and we run the farm organically on the plus side) we need to get the very best for all teh horses here. Horses First at all times. Good quality lucerne hay contains more protein and energy than grass or cereal hays and also contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium, and when fresh, the vitamins A and E. When fed properly the hay can be used to contribute energy, good quality protein and a source of fibre to the diet of a racehorse. We look forward to seeing how the horses progress on the hay.
As ever the construction work continues to progress. The latest main project is the extension of three barns, as pictured below. The first barn will be turned into stables with 12 loose boxes being fitted. The second one will extend our current wash-down area and the third will provide our growing army of staff with a larger staff room.
Our next runner to look out for is Eleanor Eloise who heads to Lingfield on Friday for the 14.45 handicap race over 7 furlongs. 'Ellie' ran a promising 2nd last time out at the same course and continues to be in good form at home. If she continues to carry on improving she will go close on Friday.
