February 18th Update
Not too much news to update on the horses. We decided against taking Surrey Quest to Exeter on Friday due to the heavy conditions there so February was a non racing month but we’ll now look at the Grimthorpe at Doncaster on the 2nd or a handicap at Sandown on the 9th for him.
Next Saturday over 20 of the of the Surrey Charm, Surrey Belle and Surrey Fire horse owners are heading to Hughie’s to see their horses on the gallops and hear Hughie’s thoughts on what lies ahead for each one. Those updates will be shared next Sunday as we start to get closer to the start of the flat racing season.
We wrote a few weeks back indicating our displeasure with the BHA. I came across this chart that doesn’t alleviate that concern! We know prize money has to improve across all races but it’s shocking how some courses can get away with such low levels compared to the media payments they receive. The courses operate under the RCA whose statement of purpose reads
The Racecourse Association was formed in 1907. We serve the interests of our 59 member racecourses to empower them to be the best venues they can be. Our aim is to provide leadership to and representation of racecourses across a multitude of areas to empower them to be the best venues they can be and a frontrunner in the governance of the sport. We are guided by the principles of excellence and innovation across all areas of racecourse administration. The RCA takes pride in sharing best practice, faultless research and a warm welcome to those we work with.
Another organisation who are not fit for purpose. Incidentally the RCA own 25% of the BHA !
However, the work of the British Stallion Studs (EBF), Juddmonte, Darley and Tattersalls should be applauded as they have added funds to increase last year’s 63 High Value Developmental Races (in one of which Surrey Fire finished 2nd at Nottingham) to over 80 in the coming 2024 season, which will be worth over £3m in prize money including 23 Open Novice/Maiden races for three-year-olds plus, worth a minimum of £40,000. Surrey Fire came second in one such 2 year old race last season at Nottingham.
We will certainly be looking at those 23 three year old races (a selection below) for Surrey Fire, Surrey Shadow and Surrey Force.
19/04/2024 Newbury 10f Maiden
20/04/2024 Newbury 11f Maiden
27/04/2024 Haydock 12f Maiden/ Novice
01/05/2024 Ascot 8f Novice
03/05/2024 Newmarket 10f Maiden/ Novice
17/05/2024 York 8f Novice
18/05/2024 Newmarket 12f Maiden/ Novice
20/05/2024 Windsor 8f Maiden
25/05/2024 Goodwood 10f Novice/ Maiden
01/06/2024 Doncaster 7f Novice/ Maiden
13/06/2024 Newbury 8f Novice
15/06/2024 Sandown 10f Maiden/ Novice
16/06/2024 Salisbury 10f Novice
Have a great week ahead and we’re looking forward to seeing a fair few of the syndicate owners on Saturday.
Possible races and events
2024
February
Saturday 24th – Hughie Morrison Stable visit - 09.30
March
Saturday 2nd – Surrey Quest – Doncaster – The Grimthorpe
Thursday 7th – Surrey Social – The Victoria Pub in Surbiton (from 6pm)
Saturday 9th – Surrey Shadow and Surrey Noir Owners Breakfast
Surrey Quest – Sandown
April
May
Thursday 9-11th – Arqana Breeze Up Sale
Tuesday 21st – Surrey Racing Golf Day – Silvermere Golf Club